16 Aug, 2015 09:47 PM

OROP implementation : Indefinite strike from Aug 24

With no approval on ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP), ex-servicemen will launch an indefinite hunger strike from 24 August. There were expectations that the announcement on OROP will be made during the independence day speech. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi disappointed by just assurance again that the government has accepted “in principle” their demand for OROP and still talks are on for final implementation. He had not given a specific timeline for the implementation of OROP

“A group of ex-servicemen will start an indefinite fast here from August 24,” Col (Retd) Anil Kaul, media advisor to the United Front of Ex-Servicemen Movement, told PTI as the agitation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi entered the 63rd day on Sunday. their protest.

Meanwhile, AAP MLA Col (Retd) Devinder Sehrawat, who skipped the President’s at-home reception on Independence Day over the demand, has written to Pranab Mukherjee seeking his intervention on behalf of the protesting ex-servicemen.

“I have to inform you with a heavy heart that the ex- servicemen are languishing on the road, undergoing shabby and disgraceful treatment at the hands of police and municipal authorities, as they protest for their rightful demand of OROP.

“Pardon my audacity, but they do expect your intervention in the matter,” Sehrawat said in his letter yesterday to the President -- who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The AAP legislator from Bijwasan constituency, Sehrawat also said he will “actively” participate in a dharna called by ex-servicemen over the OROP demand as no firm time-frame has been declared for its implementation.