CM Ibobi acclaims AR peace efforts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 12 2016: An Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally was conducted by IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri under the aegis of DGAR today.

It is said that the rally was the first to be organised at such a scale in the State in the annals of the AR.

The mega event was presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi in the presence of Diector General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General HJS Sachdev.

The rally saw mass participation by over 750 AR ESM including a few World War II veterans, Veer Naris, widows and children from all the districts of Manipur.

Chief Minister O Ibobi addresses the ex-servicemen rally

The rally commenced with a welcome song by the chil- dren of Carmel Jyoti Child- ren's Home, an orphan insti- tution that has been adopted by IGAR (S).

Addressing the rally, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that the Assam Rifles has acquitted itself well in peace and war and has been responsible for ushering in normalcy in many parts of the North East.

Manipur too, has been sub- jected to violent insurgency for decades, costing thou- sands of lives and adversely impacting peace and develop- ment.

Assam Rifles has contrib- uted in a large measure in re- ducing the violence levels and enabling the civil administra- tion to function.

Assam Rifles also stood by the people in times of natural disaster, he said.

The CM lauded the veter- ans present for their dedica- tion to the Nation and said that the Nation will never forget them.

He said that the State Govt will continue to provide different schemes for Assam Rifles veterans and widows.

Lieutenant General HJS Sachdev AVSM, SM, Direc- tor General Assam Rifles said that welfare of veterans and veer naris is a top priority area for Assam Rifles.

He said that this rally was organ- ised with an aim of reaching out to the AR ESM fraternity, renewing bonds between serving and retired personnel, felicitating deserving veterans and Veer Naris and address- ing grievances pertaining to pension and other benefits.

The CM and DGAR re- leased a compendium which covers various schemes and benefits available to AR ESM and their dependants.

The CM and the DGAR then felici- tated World War II veterans and Veer Naris giving them small tokens of appreciation.

An open house and pension adalat was held to address certain issues of common interest to all ESM.

The veterans and veer naris were then guided to various stalls and other facilities established at the venue for their benefit.

These included stalls for addressing individual pension grievances, Assam Rifles Ex-servicemen Association (ARESA) recruitment, medical check-up, treatment and medication.

There were stalls for getting Aadhar cards and opening bank accounts.

The State Govt's Horticulture, Agriculture, Fisheries, Veterinary and Urban Housing departments have opened stall.

There were military and ethnic stalls showcasing the history, tradition and culture of Assam Rifles.

Performances by cultural troupes showcased the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and a movie on Assam Rifles was screened to conclude the event.

Vandana Sachdev, President Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association (ARWWA), and other ladies of ARWWA also attended the occasion and interacted with the veer naris, widows and dependants of AR ESM .