World War II veterans express dissatisfaction
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel, December 11 2015 : War veterans of the second World War and widows of the veterans who worked as Volunteer Force (V-Force) for the British Indian Forces have expressed dissatisfaction with the State Government for its failure to provide pension scheme to the veterans.

Speaking to media persons, 105-year-old Khatlim Baite of Khongnangpheisabi village in Chandel district who served as a V-Force during the world war II said he joined the V-Force against his friends suggestions to join INA.

He was trained by the British forces at Mombi Camp along with other volunteers.

After training, the volunteers worked for the British Indian Forces patrolling the deep jungles, gathering and providing informations about the movement of the Japanese Army.

The State Government has not taken up any welfare schemes for the war veterans particularly the V-Force personnel till date, Khatlim lamented.

Bd Khitung Anal, widow of Ngamhring Anal who worked as a V-Force personnel also expressed dissatisfaction over the neglect of local war veterans in the State.

She appealed the State Government to provide pension for the veterans in recognition of their services during World War II .

Relating his story another V-Force veteran Holhem Lhungdim presently residing at Dongjang village said he joined the V-Force under group leader Maniram Singh.

He worked for the British troops stationed at Sita camp in Ayapurel area of Chandel district, he added.

"When the war came to an end, the British troops withdrew from the area and we were left behind.

The Indian Government did not recognise the sacrifices we made in defending our country from foreign invasion and denied to provide a pension scheme while our colleagues who joined INA and fought the British Indian Forces along with invading Japanese Army were given a pension scheme," he lamented.

While appealing for provision of pension, Lhungdim said, "if a pension scheme were provided to those INA personnel who fought alongside the invading Japanese army, why has the Government denied the same provision to those who defended the country ?" .

Th Houkhothang Baite, president of Second World War V-Force Veteran, Ex-Servicemen, Non Pensioner Association, Chandel district said there are about 400 war veterans in Chandel district who joined the Volunteer Force during the second World War and most of them live a miserable life with no assistance from the Government.

Despite approval by the State Assembly to provide pensions to the veterans in 2000, no assistance have been provided to the World War II's V-Force veterans and widows of the veterans till date, he added.

Baite further maintained that a memorandum was also submitted to the Chief Minister in February last demanding pension.

However, no evident action has been taken up till date to address the grievances of the war veterans and their families.

"If the Government is reluctant to recognize the services rendered by the V-Force, the younger generations will refuse to sacrifice for the Nation in times of emergency", Baite added.

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