Commendable Initiative: Veterans Celebrate Armed Forces Day in Akhnoor
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Synopsis
Retired servicemen in Jammu express gratitude for the Armed Forces Veterans Day programme in Akhnoor, attended by key dignitaries. The event highlights the contributions of veterans and addresses ongoing issues faced by ex-servicemen.
Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister praises veterans
- Significant attendance by Lt Governor and Chief Minister
- Discussion on veterans' welfare
- Highlighting Pakistan's stance on Kashmir
- Inauguration of a heritage museum
Jammu, Jan 14 (NationPress) Retired servicemen conveyed their gratitude for the Armed Forces Veterans Day celebration that took place at the Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor on Tuesday.
The event, featuring Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, united Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of ex-servicemen.
In a conversation with IANS, Colonel Jitendra Singh (retd), who attended the event, stated: “It is praiseworthy that the Defence Minister, Chief Minister, and LG have all come together to uplift the ex-servicemen community. We remain optimistic that many of our pending schemes will soon receive approval. When Army personnel retire or become disabled, they are sent home. It is vital for the government to assist them in obtaining benefits or employment.”
He also highlighted the significant role retired servicemen can play in the development of their villages.
Addressing the larger issue, Col Singh (retd) commented on Pakistan's reluctance to engage in resolving the Kashmir conflict, attributing this to the nation's selfish interests.
Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director of Sainik Welfare, praised the event as a remarkable initiative by the Defence Ministry.
“Conducting the Veterans' Day celebration on such a grand scale will certainly elevate the spirits of ex-servicemen,” he remarked to IANS.
Shan further emphasized the hostile intentions of India's adversary, pointing to Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir.
Another ex-serviceman commended the Defence Minister’s commitment to resolving any difficulties faced by veterans. He reiterated India's unwavering stance against Pakistan’s persistent support for terrorism, cautioning that India's options remain viable should Pakistan not alter its approach.
Earlier, during the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day event, Rajnath Singh praised the contributions of army veterans and paid homage to war heroes.
He specifically mentioned Brigadier Mohd Usman, who bravely confronted tribal invaders in 1947, forcing them to retreat.
The Defence Minister sharply criticized Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his comments against India, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK.
Rajnath Singh, alongside Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, was welcomed by Lt Governor Sinha, Chief Minister Abdullah, and senior officials amidst tight security.
As part of the event, the Minister inaugurated a heritage museum and raised a stunning 108-foot-tall National Flag in the Akhnoor border region.
The heritage museum showcases weapons used in various conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir, along with sculptures of war heroes, offering visitors an enriching historical experience.
