After Modi’s OROP trip, ex-servicemen protest

Disappointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that the government has accepted “in principle” their demand for “One Rank One Pension” (OROP), ex-servicemen today announced intensification of their stir by deciding to launch an indefinite hunger strike from August 24.

Ex-servicemen have been on a relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for over two months now demanding that the Centre implement OROP.

“How can you doubt our integrity? However, we wish to focus attention on some issues that have grave implications for national security, and merit your attention, not only as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, but also as the First Citizen of India“, the letter adds. “We unequivocally condemn the action by the Police and urge the Government to investigate and take immediate action”, they said.

However, the protesting ex-servicemen reacted sharply and “rejected” Modi’s Independence Day speech.

Amid an ongoing protest by ex-servicemen in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, PM Modi said: “One Rank One Pension we have accepted but talks are on”. Even as police and NDMC started clearing the protest hotspot, the ex-servicemen refused to go away and alleged that cops manhandled those protesting quietly. I can not for a moment think that despite your desire for the same, the concerned ministries are unable to find an acceptable solution and implement the same.

“This is shocking and obnoxious”. This despite the fact that over the last six decades since independence the stature and emoluments of these courageous men have been continually reduced, both by design and deceit, by the very people in power who should have actually been protecting the same. We are requesting the Police Commissioner to restore our tents since we had permission. These veterans who are at Jantar Mantar are like their fathers/grand fathers and no one would like to see their honest ancestors being thrashed by the police.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also criticized their eviction and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept on Independence Day Saturday their demand for OROP. However, the protesting ex-servicemen reacted sharply. As one retired official said: “The gap between what OROP says and what the government is proposing to give is too wide”. The MPs, MLAs and government servants manage to get their salaries increased, but the government, instead of considering the demands of ex-servicemen who face bullets in extreme weather conditions, is being evasive on the issue, the Sena said.

With OROP, retired personnel would draw the same pension as officers and jawans of the same rank who are retiring now. “It is expected to cost the government around Rs 8,500 crore”. We are with you.

Prime Minister’s Office today decided to step in to resolve the issue.