Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19:
Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters Association (JKFFA) today paid tributes to all the martyrs of J&K who sacrificed their precious lives to defend their motherland.
The tribute paying ceremony was held at Dogra Shaurya Sathal under the chairmanship of President of the Association, Ved Gandotra wherein all the participants remembered the martyred security personnel. Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs and candles were lit in their honour amidst singing of National Anthem. The members strongly condemned the role of Pakistan which was responsible for feeding the terrorists and spreading terrorism all over the world from its land.
Former Minister and President National Panthers Party Harsh Dev Singh was among the prominent persons present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Harsh Dev demanded Governor Administration an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore for the families of those killed in the line of duty from the State.
He alleged that the PDP-BJP Government had a “callous” attitude towards the families of those killed while protecting the country. He alleged that while the BJP-PDP alliance doled out incentives and jobs to surrendered militants and dependents of deceased anti-nationals, it preferred to remain “tight-lipped over the announcement of ex gratia for the families of martyrs”.
The tall promise of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to provide ex gratia of Rs 1 crore has not been implemented on the ground, Singh claimed.
He alleged that while other states honoured their “martyrs” and gave adequate ex gratia, the PDP-BJP government “showed empty coffers” to the bereaved families.
Harsh rued that the State government was yet to take note of the war heroes whose families deserved ex-gratia and other benefits with dignity and honour on priority. He said that NoK’s of several State martyrs including Capt. Tushar Mahajan of Udhampur, Lt. Umar Fayaz of South Kashmir, Lance Naik Mohd. Naseer, of Rajouri, Subedar Karnail Singh of Bishnah , Haveldar Ravi Paul of Samba, Naik Mool Raj of Jakh, Constable Santosh Singh, Constable Azad Chand , six martyrs of 6 Dogra regiment who attained supreme sacrifice in Manipur ambush in 2015 besides others were still awaiting the financial succor from the State govt with hope.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Mahajan an active member of JKFFA and State President Shri Ram Sena stated that just only making lip sympathies and condemning the incidents will not solve the matter, adding, “It is not a matter of money but respect and responsibility on behalf of State Government, which as a protocol has to be shown to them.”
He lamented that ousted PDP-BJP Government doubled the salaries of its Council of Ministers as well as legislators, but did nothing substantial for the families of martyrs except expressing lip sympathy and condemnation of the terror attack.
“I feel surprised and shocked that the party like BJP, who used to make big promises and announcements during the time of Assembly elections, did not bother to take up the case of compensation to the martyred soldiers,” he added. Prominent among those present on the occasion include Gagan Pratap Singh, J.J Singh, Th. Karnail Chand, Kamal Sharma, Sukhminder Singh Maini, Prabhat Kapahi, Gaurav and staff members and students of Luthra Academy School.
