Ex-servicemen rally held at N Khunou
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 22 2013:
Security forces of Loktak Brigade under the Red Shield Division reached out to the ex-servicemen of Bishnupur district by organising an Ex-Servicemen Rally at N Khunou today which was attended by 54 Ex-Servicemen, eight widows and a Veer Nari from various parts of the district.
According to a statement issued here, aim of the Rally was to acquaint the ex-servicemen with various existing and upcoming policies of the Union Ministry of Defence, for their benefit as well as redressal of their grievances.
Loktak Brigade Commander Brig PC Nair reportedly interacted with the ex-servicemen to understand problems being currently faced by them.
Speaking on the occasion Brig Nair described the rally as an excellent platform for redressal of pending grievances in all spheres of life of the ex-servicemen.
reassuring the ex-servicemen of the camaraderie and bonhomie which the Indian Army is known to have among its ranks, the Commander also exhorted the ex-servicemen to motivate all able bodied youth to join the armed forces and Assam Rifles in order to contribute their services to the motherland, as also earn a respectable living.
He appreciated the positive trend which has seen an increase in influx of Manipuris into armed forces, conveyed the statement.
Apart from resolving pension related problems and resettlement issues, emphasis was also given to important issues such as medical treatment of ex-servicemen and their dependants under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) .
Lt Col (Retd) O Naba Kumar Singh, the Officer in Charge, ECHS Polyclinic, Bishnupur and Churachandpur explained to the ex-servicemen in detail about the functioning and limitations of the ECHS.
He also explained in a very comprehensive manner the treatment procedures in vogue for the empanelled hospital and non empanelled hospital.
All the ex-servicemen were also exhorted by Lt Col (Retd) O Naba Kumar Singh to spread the word to other ex-servicemen regarding enrolling themselves as a member of ECHS for availing the benefit of the scheme.
Other issues such as financial assistance by armed forces to ex-servicemen and war widows as well as the impending Ex-Servicemen Rally for the state of Manipur at Leimakhong scheduled in october were also discussed.
Progress on the points raised by ex-servicemen during last ex-servicemen rally and steps initiated for redressal of the same were also conveyed to them.
Cultural programmes by the school and college students of Bishnupur district were also organised for the rally participants.
On the side lines of the rally a medical camp was also organised, where the ex-servicemen and Veer Naris were provided medical facilities for minor ailments along with distribution of free medicines.
The rally culminated with a lunch.