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Dimapur, Aug. 5 (EMN): The launching programme-cum-first general session of Ex-servicemen League Nagaland (ELN) was held here at Assam Rifles Training Center (ARTC), 3rd Mile, Dimapur, on Friday.
Interacting with the media, former officiating president of Ex-servicemen League of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland, Toshi Jamir (Col. retd) said the purpose of forming Ex-servicemen League Nagaland is to bring about unity amongst the entire ex-servicemen under one umbrella.
Jamir said formation of ELN is not for the welfare of ex-servicemen alone but includes widow, family of ex-servicemen and many other factors behind the formation.
He said ELN is not only to assist the government or solely for the welfare for the ex-servicemen but that there are so many ways the ex-servicemen can contribute to the welfare of society.
The ELN members are drawn from the three wings of the Indian armed forces including Navy, Air Force and Army who are veterans in their own respective fields, he said.
Jamir also advocated for creation of units like ‘Ecological battalion’ which he said, will not only generate employment but also act as a “second line of defense,” and added that “there is nothing like having an ex-servicemen who has retired to do this kind of job.”
The veteran soldier appealed the state government to give due recognition to the gallantry award winners, martyrs and their families.
Further, Jamir informed there are around 5000 ex-servicemen in the state and that the main objective in forming ELN is to collectively highlight the grievances and other issues faced by the ex-servicemen.
He said the grievances include issues relating to employment of ex-servicemen in the Rajya Sainik Board, Zila Sainik Welfare or the Home department, which are reserved for ex-servicemen.
The first general session of ELN also elected a new team of office bearers with K Kuotsu (major retd) as president, Moatemsu (subedar retd) as vice president, imtiakum Ao (sergeant retd) as general secretary and Visalie Leno (honorary captain retd) as treasurer.