Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 13: With Defence Minister Rajnath Singh set to visit Tanda Cantonment on January 14, a group of former Kargil War Porters has raised a fresh demand for justice and rehabilitation.
These porters, who played a pivotal role in the defence of the nation during the 1999 Kargil War, claimed they have been left in limbo despite their sacrifices.
In a statement, they said, during the Kargil War, over 3,000 volunteers, including nearly 2,500 from Tanda, known as the ‘Tanda Tiger Force,’ were enlisted to assist in the critical mission of evicting Pakistani forces from the Kargil hills.
According to them, many volunteers worked day and night in treacherous conditions, and seven of them made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Despite these contributions, the promises made to them after the war have largely gone unfulfilled, they said.
The group said while some of the porters were inducted into the Army or given Government jobs, many others have been left stranded with no employment or compensation.
“After years of waiting, many porters sought justice through legal channels, with some being inducted into military installations. However, for the majority, their plight remains unresolved,” they said.
Speaking out ahead of the Defence Minister’s visit, the remaining porters have demanded immediate action to ensure their rehabilitation.
“We risked our lives for the country during the Kargil War, but now, after all these years, we are still waiting for justice,” they said.
“We were promised jobs, but most of us have been left without any support. It is high time the Government keeps its word and provides us with the relief we were promised.”
The porters have also called for a clear response from military authorities regarding the report submitted by HQ Northern Command and Udhampur Sub-Area, which was requested by the Department of Military Affairs.
“Despite the report being submitted long ago, its outcome remains unclear,” claimed the porters.
The former porters have also vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met, with some even resorting to protests and a dharna at Jantar-Mantar in New Delhi.
They hoped that the Defence Minister’s visit to Tanda will bring much-needed attention to their cause and help secure their rightful rehabilitation.
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