The 82-year-old Bishamber Singh has seen a lot in his life, having served as a grenadier in the Army. For the past two months, the retired soldier has been part of a group of ex-servicemen on a relay hunger strike here to demand the implementation of the one rank, one pension (OROP) scheme.
On Friday, as they started the 61st day of their agitation, the ex-servicemen were greeted by teams of the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Police attempting to evict them, citing security concerns on the eve of Independence Day.
Refusing to budge while all other protesters at Jantar Mantar were removed, the veterans said they would not leave until the government gave them a written assurance on when the policy would be implemented.
Melee followsIn the commotion, tents were uprooted, placards thrown out and some protesters even roughed up. Among those manhandled was Bishamber Singh.
“The country and its politicians should be ashamed. We have fought for our nation, and we were being removed forcibly. Are we security threats,” Mr. Singh asked as the pocket of his kurta dangled, torn during the eviction.
The ex-servicemen’s stance forced the authorities to make a U-turn.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said he had ordered the Delhi Police to allow the OROP protesters to continue their peaceful dharna.
Rahul offers supportJust as the protesters settled in, another round of commotion started. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi made a quick trip down to Jantar Mantar to extend support. The agitating veterans had already made it clear that they would allow any politician up on the stage to address the crowd. So, when Mr. Gandhi got to Jantar Mantar, he was greeted but reminded that he would not be allowed to speak.
In the commotion, some ex-servicemen and their wives were pushed. Some even raised slogans against Mr. Gandhi. “Where was Rahul Gandhi for 60 days? Why didn’t he raise the issue in Parliament? He needn’t have come here today. If the forces can protect the country from intruders, they can take care of themselves,” said Deepa Nebb, wife of Wing Commander (Retd.) Vinod Nebb.
Mr. Gandhi said the Congress-led government had initiated the OROP policy. “The reality is that our Prime Minister makes promises very easily. He made a promise to the youth to make in India, to clean the country through Swachh Bharat and to give OROP — none of these has happened,” Mr. Gandhi said.
