OROP: Service officer's wife appeals to the nation

Today when we are at the eve of Independence, I and my service colleagues and friends are pushed to the wall where we cannot hide our wet eyes. Our veterans who are sitting on the streets for over months for their overdue rights were manhandled. World over war veterans are looked upon and respected for giving their youth to the nation. Their families and needs are taken care of to keep them comfortable throughout their life.

It is not easy to give your life for any cause and let me tell you, these faujis do not join the services because they are short of jobs. I am sure they can get better paid jobs any time but it is only the "Junoon" of serving the nation. They feel pride in sacrificing their life for the countrymen. This motivating factor is the only thing that keeps them through in such rough atmosphere with a smile.

All that they want is the admiration from their countrymen. The way they have been treated today at Jantar Mantar is a matter of shame for any country. I am today feeling ashamed to be called an Indian and more so an Indian Army officer's wife.

My appeal is to the big industrialist of the country. To the film affinity: Lata ji, Amitabh Bacchan, Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and others who have always been with the jawans. They have been propogating the heroic deeds and velour of the soldiers in their films and songs. Why have they quit now? My appeal to the corporates, the youth and the rest of the nation is to please stand for the veterans, who are not being heard by our government. Please join hands to get our rights.

"Ae mere watan ke logo, zara aankh mein bhar lo paani, Jo shaheed hue hai unki, zara yaad karo kurbani"

And not drive them to the streets where they are lathi charged and their kurtas are torn with their medals on it.

Mrs. Mrinalini Bahl W/o Col. D.M. Bahl