Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 28: Expressing shock on the delay and deny over the implementation of “One Rank One Pension”(OROP) for the ex-servicemen by the Union Government, a number of Panthers Party activists held a protest demonstration near Press Club, here today
Led by Harshdev Singh, chairman JKNPP and Yashpal Kundal, State president Young Panthers, the protesters raised slogans against the BJP-led NDA Government at Centre for its nonchalant attitude towards the retired Armed Forces personnel who had sacrificed their entire life in the service of the Motherland.
While addressing gathering, Harshdev Singh pointed out that during the General Elections in 2014, OROP was an integral part of the BJP’s manifesto and Narendra Modi, the then BJP Prime Ministerial candidate, had made repeated commitments to implement the same if voted to power. However, after coming to power, BJP and its Government have taken a U-turn on the issue,” he alleged.
Expressing solidarity with the Armed Forces pensioners sitting on relay hunger strike for the last 75 days in New Delhi and the six brave Army veterans who have been observing fast unto death of late, Harshdev said that the effective OROP scheme would benefit nearly 25 lakh Ex-servicemen and over 6 lakh war widows.
Yashpal Kundal also spoke on the occasion and said that Panthers Party shall continue to support the cause of the defense veterans unless OROP is effectuated.