1965, 1971 war veterans seek financial aid, homes from government

Hyderabad: Demanding that both the Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh governments extend monetary benefits and monthly pension scheme to war veterans, short service ex-army officers who were awarded Samara Seva Star medals expressed disappointment with the governments’ disregard for their welfare. Stating that among the officers who fought in the 1965 and 1971 wars, only 15 are alive now, three war veterans pleaded to the government for support.

Capt. L. Pandu Ranga Reddy, a 1965 war veteran and historian, said that the contribution to the armed forces from the Telugu states was a mere 2.3 per cent while both the states accounted for nine per cent of the country’s population.
“We don’t honour and reward our veterans, which is why no Telugu man wants to join the forces,” he added.

Citing the example of smaller states like Punjab, which has three regiments, he said the Telugu states were not given importance at the national level due to poor representation.

Praising the ex-servicemen contributory health scheme, Capt. Reddy said he underwent open heart surgery free of cost, thanks to the scheme. The veterans are demanding a monthly pension of Rs 60,000 along with a one-time payment of Rs 50 lakh, allotment of land or house and extending ex-servicemen reservation to short service.

Capt. D. Vijay Kumar (retd), who participated in the 1965 war, demanded housing benefits. Demanding that the states extend financial benefits, another war veteran, Edwin Henry, who fought the 1965 and the 1971 wars, said, “We fought when the country needed us.” Capt. S. Emmanuel, who participated in the 1971 war, complained that there was no rehabilitation of ex-army officers.

“We demand a Yuddha Yodha Bandhu scheme on the lines of Rythu Bandhu and Dalit Bandhu. Currently, only soldiers and non-combatant staff are eligible for ex-servicemen reservation whereas the officers are left behind. It is time we got our due,” they said.