Indian Army Reaches Out To Ex-Servicemen In Manipur, Over 2,000 Personnel In Attendance

The event witnessed a significant turnout of more than 2,000 personnel, including over 1,650 veterans, 50 'Veer Naris', 180 widows and 65 dependents.

Guwahati: In continuation of its dedicated efforts to connect with the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) fraternity during the challenging times in Manipur, the Indian Army organised multiple ESM rallies across different districts of the state. The rally was conducted in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on February 26, Senapati district on February 28 and Churachandpur district on March 4, covering the large landscape of the northeast state.

Despite the security situation in the state, the event, while receiving an overwhelming response from the community, was attended by the ESM of nearly all districts.

The event witnessed a significant turnout of more than 2,000 personnel, including over 1,650 veterans, 50 'Veer Naris', 180 widows and 65 dependents.

The veterans of the 1965 war, 1971 war and Operation Vijay 1999, attended the event, organised by the Indian Army’s Red Shield Division, as per a statement of the Ministry of Defence.

The main objective of organising the event was to interact with the ESM fraternity of Manipur, especially during the challenging time of unrest in the state.

"The event also provided a platform to facilitate the ESM community in registering and timely resolving the grievances related to pension documentation and other anomalies," the statement said.

Dedicated assistance booths were set up at each rally site to provide support and guidance on crucial matters, including healthcare, pension anomalies, documentation, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic services, Canteen Stores Department (CSD), army recruitment, besides others, the release stated.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Manipur-based Red Shield Division, Maj Gen Sameer Sharan Kartikeya, while interacting with the attendees, conveyed gratitude to the veterans and their families for their invaluable sacrifices and services to the nation. While appreciating the yeomen support by the ESM community towards the armed forces during the prevailing security situation in Manipur, he assured them of expeditious redressal of their complaints, the statement added.  

The rally featured a comprehensive range of facilities to address the needs and concerns of the ESM attending the event. The event stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment for veterans, ‘Veer Naris’ and war widows, particularly in times of crisis in the region, the release further stated.