Even as we commemorate the 1965 war, veterans and their families are mired in financial misery. C. Chinnappa (76), a decorated veteran of three wars, lives in poverty today. His application for land, filed in 1966, is still pending.
He has lost all hope now. Nevertheless, Chinnappa reminisces fondly about the war. He was serving on the Indo-China border when it started.
“After the declaration of war, we were sent to Ferozepur in Punjab and then towards the border where Pakistan had mounted an attack,” he says. He trembles as he remembers, apparently of Parkinson’s. But his face shines bright.
“I was a gunner with the 82nd Light. We were supporting the 7 Madras Infantry. In the midst of battle, a bomb landed right into the barrel of the gun. A newly married young soldier -- I don’t clearly remember his name, probably Annamalai -- was shred apart. I wasinjured. But we took up other gunning positions immediately,” says Mr Chinnappa.
