CM assures possible aid
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 14 2014: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured to extend all possible assistance to ex-servicemen and war widows of the State.

The Chief Minister was addressing an ex-servicemen rally held at Leimakhong garrison of Red Shield Division.

Among others, the rally was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, 3 Corps GOC Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, 57 Mountain Division GOC Maj Gen PM Bali and IGAR (S) Maj Gen Rajeev Chopra.

In his speech, the Chief Minister lauded the Red Shield Division for bringing all the ex-servicemen including World War-II veterans and war widows together at the event.

Saying that the State is proud of those brave soldiers, who laid down their lives and ex-servicemen, who had rendered service for the country, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has decided to provide a monthly pension of Rs 1200 each to 18 World War II surviving veterans of the State.

Maintaining that organising such a rally provides an opportunity to interact with ex-servicemen and their family members, O Ibobi said that the State Government would do the needful to solve the problems faced by them.

Saying that Manipur has always been a part of the history of the Indian Army, the Chief Minister said that many State natives joined Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose led Indian National Army.

On the other hand, many State youth are presently contributing their mite in upholding the integrity of the country by joining the Indian Army.

He said that more than 250 State natives are currently serving the Indian Army in different ranks.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam while speaking at the rally said that no other service is equivalent to the sacrifice made by the soldiers of the country.

As such, every citizen of the country must not forget their sacrifices and contributions made for the motherland.

In his speech, Lt Gen Bipin Rawat said that ex-servicemen hailing from Manipur occupy a significant place in the Indian Army.

The sacrifice made during World War-II and internal security related incidents by the soldiers hailing from Manipur is truly inspirational, he added.

Later at the rally, O Ibobi and Gaikhangam presented gifts to World War-II veterans and war widows respectively.

A booklet on the benefits provided under Central and State Governments schemes to ex-servicemen and war widows was also released and distributed at the rally.

Stalls of various State Government Departments, agencies and banks were also opened at the rally.

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