A Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 24
In order to show an appreciation to all its former soldiers who have spent their prime life for tranquility in Northeastern region with dedication and courage, the oldest paramilitary force in the country-Assam Rifles, has today conducted ‘Pensioners Rally’ for the welfare of its yesteryears comrades at Urban Haat, Dimapur.
The rally, under the aegis of Headquarters IGAR (North) and Headquarters 6 Sector, was held to fulfill its aim of reaching out to the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen residing in Nagaland and Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. HJS Sachdev, AVSM, SM, Director General, Assam Rifles said aim of today’s rally is to take a feedback from former soldiers about their grievance and also it is a kind of platform to let them know about the various welfare schemes and increment in different categories that AR is going to implement from next year.
Since its establishment 180 years back Assam Rifles been working for the welfare and developmental work in the Northeast region, Gen. Sachdev said and at the same time promised to continue to work for the noble cause in future.
While expressing dismay over the lesser number of youths are coming forward to join arm forces in recent past, he said after 7th pay commission , salary package will be increased and urged more youth to join the force.
He further urged former soldiers to encourage their children to the AR and serve the nation.
Welfare and well being of the ex-servicemen of Assam Rifles is of paramount significance and all steps will be taken to ensure that they will be looked after in all matters, he added.
When queried by media persons, in the sideline of the program, on the recent confrontation between AR and Editors of local Media Houses over reporting of NSCN (K) statements, Lt. Gen. Sachdev it was not the right platform to voice the matter as it was a day for ‘veteran soldiers’, and further added that, “I look only after administrations aspect of Assam Rifles” and maintained one need wider knowledge to answer it.
On abrogate of cease fire between NSCN (K) and GoI he, “We suffered (causalities) in the beginning. Now after 5-6 months we took the situation under control”.
The rally provided the Ex-Servicemen an opportunity to resolve their grievances related to Pensions, CSD facilities, medical or any other aspects concerning them.
The event included stalls manned by representatives of Pension Cell, Record Branch, Pay and Allowance Office, Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association (ARESA) and State Bank of India and ICICI for loan facilities. For resolution of any other issues, a ‘General Grievance Cell’ was established in which specific problems faced by AR Ex-Servicemen were registered and on the spot advice provided. Stalls for Aadhar Card, CSD Smart Card, Waste Management, ICICI Bank, Postal Branch and Employment Forum were also established.
A ‘Medical Camp’ was also established and medical facilities to include Eye Specialist, ENT Specialist, Dentist and Lady Doctor were made available and free medicines disbursed to the needy.
During the rally, six Veer Naris (Widows of those Jawans killed in action) and four War Veterans were felicitated.
More than 600 AR former soldiers attended the event pre dominantly belonging to districts of Mokokchung, Wokha, Dimapur, Kohima and Peren, as well as those belonging to the Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts of Assam which are located in the vicinity of Dimapur.
