IMPHAL, October 14: `I am aware of the plight of the ex-servicemen in our State and I would like to re-assure all that the government is looking into their various problems. These problems will be resolved in the near future,` State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today during an ex-servicemen rally.
The rally was organised by the Red Shield Division of the 57th Mountain Division at Leimakhong.
Today`™s rally is a platform, which provides has us with an opportunity to interact with the ex-servicemen and their families and help in identifying their problems, he said.
The Chief Minister also said that the State government has taken measures to pay Rs 1200 per head per month as financial assistance to the 18 surviving veterans of the World War II.
It may be mentioned that the State cabinet, during a meeting on October 9, had approved a pension scheme for the surviving WW II veterans which was announced the same evening by government spokesperson M Okendro.
Chief Minister Ibobi said Manipur has experienced a sea change and is trying to emerge out of decades of conflict and economic stagnation.
`There has been a visible transformation all around. I see a silver lining in the cloud for all of us.`
He said Manipur has been a part of the Indian Military history for many years and is proud to be associated with the likes of Netaji Subhash and the martyrs who had made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
It was here in Manipur that we stalled the attacking troops during the second Second World War, he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed appreciation of the hard work done by the Red Shield Division in getting together the ex-servicemen fraternity under one umbrella during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said it is for these men in `olive green`™ that we all sleep peacefully in our homes.
The morale of the ex-servicemen and veer naris are inspiring to all of us, since they have acted as a strong foundation during tough times, he said.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Ibobi also distributed gifts to WW II heroes, while deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam distributed gifts to widows of servicemen.
The rally was also attended by Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai, GOC 3 Corps Lt General Bipin Rawat GOC 57th Mountain Division; Major General PM Bali, IGAR (S) Major General Rajeev Chopra as the functional members of the rally.
Lt General Bipin Rawat briefing media persons said that the rally is being organised for ex servicemen, war widows and disabled ex servicemen of Manipur.
He stressed on the wide publicity of various central/ State/ army welfare schemes for the ex-servicemen and also spoke about the inaugural edition of the bi-annual news letter for ex-servicemen.