[caption id="attachment_248172" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
A war veteran receives a gift during the ex-servicemen's rally, on May 9 in Kohima.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 9 (EMN): War veterans and ex-servicemen (ESM) of both the defence forces and the Assam Rifles from Nagaland came together at a rally on May 8 at the Kohima Garrison ground.
The theme of the event for this year was ‘Year of the next kin and war veterans.’
The primary aim was to reach out to ESM, disabled soldiers, and widows and their kin. The event was also envisaged to address their grievances particularly matters concerning pension. The programme was organised by the establishment of the Inspector General (North) for veterans of the entire district.
Over 650 ESM from the defence forces and the Assam Rifles attended the programme.
Major General PC Nair, the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) addressed the veterans as chief guest. He gave away wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks, and stitching machines to 37 disabled soldiers.
All the attendees were given blankets, shawls, caps, veteran badges and information pamphlets. Five World War II Naga veterans were also honoured during the programme.
During the programme, the ESM expressed their grievances relating to schemes and pensions, which were clarified accordingly.
Around 100 letters stating various grievances were received from the war veterans. There were 95 letters from the Assam Rifles and five from other security force units.
The ESM were also given a discourse about various schemes such as Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Schemes, which is mandatory for the army.
Kiosks were set up at the event. They were manned by representatives of pension authorities, pay and accounts offices; recruiting office; Assam Rifles Ex-servicemen Association; Rajya & Zila Sainik boards; State Bank of India, and HDFC bank.
Besides grievance redress, investment and scheme-themed kiosks, the event also provided medical and health check-up services.
Various other stalls were put up in collaboration with government departments such as the Skill Development, Horticulture, Agriculture, Fishery, and the Kohima legal services.
