Escalating the protests against Narendra Modi government's notification on One Rank One Pension, many defence veterans on Friday deposited their gallantry medals at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in the national capital. Nearly 1200 medals were deposited with veterans deciding to intensify their protests against the OROP notification.
"It is just an escalation as the government is not fulfilling its promise. The government has not given us the correct OROP. We will continue to escalate it and it is just the beginning," said Major General (retired) Satbir Singh. November 13 marked the 152nd day of the protest at Jantar Mantar and veterans say they are demanding what is their right. The medals were deposited in a ceremonial manner with veterans in the group of four slowly marching till Amar Jawan Jyoti.
"With a heavy heart we are doing it. Medals are very close to an officer and we are depositing it. It is not an award wapsi," Group Captain (retired) VK Gandhi said. Veterans were present in large number to participate in the protest and make their demand heard.
"This is the only way to register our protest. Veterans cannot do anything else. We cannot break laws or rail roko," said Colonel (retired) VN Thapar, father of Kargil war hero Captain Vijayant Thapar who submitted his medals to the President two years ago.
They have also sought an appointment with President Pranab Mukherjee but there has been no reply so far. Ex-servicemen are also in talks with lawyers to take the matter up legally. Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also at Jantar Mantar to support the veterans and promised to take up the matter with the Centre.
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