A joint Army-Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally on the theme ‘We care, We share’ was organised today at Kohima Garrison by the Assam Rifles.
Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) Major General Vikas Lakhera, Sena Medal, was the chief guest of the rally.
Approximately 700 veterans and veer naris/widows of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Assam Rifles from all districts of Nagaland attended the rally.
Addressing the gathering, Maj Gen Lakhera acknowledged the presence of the veterans and veer naris/widows who had travelled long distances to attend the rally. He welcomed all attendees on behalf of Lieutenant General PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, DGAR and Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, AVSM, SM, GOC, 3 Corps.
He announced the theme of the rally, depicting complete solidarity towards the requirements of the veterans/veer naris and the Assam Rifles/ Indian Army’s consummate commitment to them.
The objective of the rally was to establish a single platform to address the grievances of ex-servicemen. Senior officers from HQ DGAR and HQ 3 Corps/Rajya Sainik Board addressed the veterans on matters related to pension benefits and latest policies.
The event took off with the release of balloons to mark the inauguration of the rally.
A Medical Camp was also established to provide specialised medical services such as dental facilities and access to a gynaecologist for veterans and veer naris. Several veer naris, war widows and disabled soldiers were felicitated by being provided wheel chairs, hearing aids, walking sticks among other facilities. Aids were provided to 09 Army and 32 Assam Rifles veterans.
A cultural programme including Pipe Band display by 1 Assam Rifles Pipe Band, folk dance by 164 Naga TA team and cultural performance by veterans was the pinnacle of the event.
A total of 22 stalls including ARESA, ARO, Pension Cell, Resettlement, Banks, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department, ITI, State Legal Services and Canteen services were established to provide instant services regarding long pending issues/grievances of ESM.
The veterans and veer naris expressed immense satisfaction and appreciation for the efforts of the Directorate General of Assam Rifles in organising the event and providing a single platform to project their problems/ unresolved issues.
