Ex-servicemen to launch indefinite hunger strike from Aug 24... OROP Demand: 10 ex-chiefs write to PM, say nation can’t afford ‘imbroglio’

EOI, PTI, New Delhi, 17 Aug 2015: 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.

“A group of ex-servicemen will start an indefinite fast here from August 24,” Col (Retd) Anil Kaul, media advisor to the United Front of Ex-Servicemen Movement, told PTI as the agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi is now more than two months old.

The protestors have been on a relay hunger strike so far.

In his speech on the Independence Day, Modi had not given a specific timeline for the implementation of OROP, but stressed that talks were in the final stages, drawing sharp reactions from ex-servicemen who vowed to step up their protest.

Meanwhile, AAP MLA Col  Devinder Sehrawat (Retd) who skipped the President’s at-home reception on Independence Day over the demand, has written to Pranab Mukherjee seeking his intervention on behalf of the protesting ex-servicemen.

“I have to inform you with a heavy heart that the ex- servicemen are languishing on the road, undergoing shabby and disgraceful treatment at the hands of police and municipal authorities, as they protest for their rightful demand of OROP.

“Pardon my audacity, but they do expect your intervention in the matter,” Sehrawat said in his letter yesterday to the President – who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

The AAP legislator from Bijwasan constituency, Sehrawat also said he will “actively” participate in a dharna called by ex-servicemen over the OROP demand as no firm time-frame has been declared for its implementation.

Ex-servicemen are holding a protest at Jantar Mantar and in other parts of the country for two months demanding early implementation of OROP.

ENS, August 18, 2015: Days after four retired service chiefs raised the One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue with the President, ten retired chiefs have written to PM Narendra Modi condemning the manhandling of protesting veterans at Jantar Mantar by the Delhi Police. As seven retired Army chiefs, two Air Force chiefs and a Navy chief sent their letter to the PM, two ex servicemen — Col Pushpender Singh and Havaldar Major Singh — began a fast unto death at Jantar Mantar to push for OROP. Arguing that “the nation can ill afford such an imbroglio”, the two page letter subtly warned the government about the consequences of the delay in implementing OROP. 

“We are deeply perturbed and distressed by the highhanded treatment of our veterans on August 14, 2015 at Jantar Mantar. These veterans have been on a peaceful demonstration at this venue and have been trying to make the government hear their voice since June 12, 2015. We unequivocally condemn the action by the police and urge the government to investigate and take immediate action,” the letter by General V N Sharma, General Shakar Roy Choudhary, General N C Vij, Genral J J singh, General Deepak Kapoor, General Bikram Singh, Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Air Chief Marshals N C Suri and S P Tyagi said. 

Adding that the “indiscretion on the part of the police has seriously impacted the pride and morale of all ranks of the three services and the veterans”, the letter claimed the “dignity and pride” of the soldier “ was scarred. 

Explaining the decision to approach PM, the letter said: 

“We were also hopeful that the announcement of the implementation of the OROP would be made on Independence Day. Regrettably this has not happened. Also, the highhanded attitude of the police on August 14 has prompted us to raise this issue to your esteemed office.” 

About the government’s argument of technical difficulties in OROP implementation, the letter added: “The often quoted technical difficulties without ever being specified and discussed are thus bewildering. This is simple arithmetic based on the Standard Pension Tables of the government…These delays are construed to be only with a view to bring in changes in the parameters and dilute the entitlements, which will be grossly unjust and unacceptable.” 

The signatories to the letter claimed that while they had full faith in the political leadership, they were dismayed by the delay. 

“We stand steadfastly by the side of our colleagues and fully support their just cause. Our silence so far was due to the need to observe propriety… We would strongly urge the government to settle this issue expeditiously and in an urgent time frame. Any further delays, in our considered view, will be at the cost of damaging the pride of the veterans and lowering the morale of the armed forces. The nation can ill afford such an imbroglio,” the letter warned.