One Rank One Pension row: Ex-servicemen may skip 1965 war function

NEW DELHI: Ex-servicemen protesting against the delay in implementation of One Rank One Pension policy may cast a shadow over the Narendra Modi government’s plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

The ex-servicemen, who have been on a hunger strike since June 15, have called for boycott of all government functions. This could also mean non-participation by veterans who took part in the war, unless the government implements the OROP policy by July 15, the new deadline set by the protesters.

However, there seems to be some confusion over attendance in army commemorations that are to be seen as non-government functions.

“We will be boycotting all government functions except those organised by the Indian Army,” said General Satbir Singh, advisor of the United Front of Ex-servicemen, which is holding a relay hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

He said the members of the front have sworn to wear black bands to the upcoming commemoration to be held in Chandimandir, under the aegis of the Western Army Command. “Lt General KJ Singh, Western Army Commander, called out to the veterans to attend the function. He confirmed the veterans can wear black bands to signify the protest for OROP,” Singh told ET.

However, some other members have struck the black bands down, claiming there are no conditions attached to attendance.

“While the black band is a mark of protest it should remain out of military functions. There is no need to show disgruntlement for a military function, there should be no reservation and no conditionality,” said Lt General (retd) Raj Kadyan, who heads the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement.

A seminar will be held at the end of the month as part of a series of events to be held across the country over the next three months to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan.

“We are inviting defence experts along with veterans who will share their experience of the 1965 war,” said an officer, who is engaged in preparations at Chandimandir. The veterans have also been invited to display memorabilia and photographs of the war.