Ukhrul senior citizens rally for provision of pension, welfare facilities
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 15 2015 : Braving the inclement weather, hundreds of elderly men and women from four corners of Ukhrul district on Monday walked through the town's thoroughfare holding placards, demanding a package of provisions to help and care for the deprived senior citizens of the district.

The silent mass rally was jointly organized by Tangkhul Kharar Long (TKL- Tangkhul Senior Citizens' Association) and Service For Elders (SFE-CIAMs) in connection with the World Elders Abuse Awareness Day 2015.Started from two different points Dungrei Junction and Awontang Junction, the rallyists finally converged on TNL Campus around 11: 30 am and subsequently held a mass gathering at TNL Conference Hall.

In his keynote address, Dr Nelson Vashum Director CIAM/CHSRC highlighted the avowed objective of TKL, stating that the association solidly stands for the welfare of all senior citizens of the district transcending barriers of economic, spiritual, social and political affiliations.

He urged the government to look into the needs of the ageing people by providing all necessary facilities, while pointing out that majority of elders of the district remains deprived of pension and free medical facilities.

Ch Pheirei Chairman TKL lauded SFE for its magnificent role in bringing together elders from all walks of life for a common cause which he believed is to fulfill the will of God.

Asserting that elders are subjected to myriad forms of abuse in the present-day society, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Weapon Zimik called upon all to rise up against the demeaning practice of showing disrespect for elderly persons.

"It is time we learn to respect our elders who are guardians of culture and courtesy," he said.

Calling the mammoth gathering of Tangkhul elders a token of blessing, Zimik opined that it invariably takes the wisdom of elders to take forward the Tangkhul society, while appealing for upholding the typical Tangkhul hospitality.

Rev Aping Khamrang Chairman Berean Medical Association (BMA) also deeply lamented that the contemporary society is littered with disrespect for elders, saying that unfortunately many have passed way before they could show respect to their parents and elders alike.

"Today we raise slogans so that our youngsters might learn to behave politely with their elders," he pleaded.

More than 600 elders from different corners of the district participated in the day's observance.

Interestingly, about 90 per cent of the participants have shown that they are yet to avail any facilities under the government's pension schemes.

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