A day before Independence Day police began evicting ex-servicemen protesting for One Rank One Pension (OROP) along with all other protesters at Jantar Mantar citing security reasons before holding back. This comes amid speculations that Prime Minister is likely to make an announcement on the implementation of OROP in his Independence Day speech.
The pandal of the protesting veterans has been removed but they have refused to leave the place. Authorities have now relented after a brief scuffle with the veterans. “Authorities are holding back. We are not moving out,” said Colonel (retd) Anil Kaul, media advisor for Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM).
One veteran said police were trying to clear Jantar Mantar of all protesting groups citing security risk on Independence Day. Veterans under the banner of United Ex-Servicemen Federation have been on relay –hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since 14 June protesting the delay in implementing OROP.
Meanwhile Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected at the venue shortly to express solidarity with the protesters. On Wednesday four former service chiefs in an “open letter” to the President expressed “deep anguish” at the “dismal spectacle of our veteran soldiers” and called for urgent intervention of the Supreme Commander as there is every possibility of the “situation getting out of hand”.
OROP aims to bring parity in pension based on rank and duration of service irrespective of the date of retirement. It had been a major election promise of the BJP government before Lok Sabha election last year.
While the government has given in-principle approval, final implementation has been delayed due to disagreement within on the modalities.
