Samirpur (Hamirpur), October 16
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Professor Prem Kumar Dhumal on Friday highlighted the contribution of ex-servicemen to nation-building, recalling his visit to Kargil with Narendra Modi during the 1999 conflict and emphasising the importance of veterans’ welfare, healthcare and support for martyrs’ families. Addressing state and district-level office-bearers of the BJP Ex-Servicemen Cell at his residence in Samirpur, Dhumal said military discipline, patriotism and a spirit of national service remain the defining qualities of soldiers even after retirement. He added that the experience, dedication and commitment of ex-servicemen strengthen the organisation and contribute significantly to society.
Recalling the Kargil War, Dhumal said he was in Shimla with Modi, who was then the BJP’s Himachal Pradesh in-charge, when he learnt that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited the conflict-affected region to meet soldiers. Dhumal said he and Modi subsequently travelled to Kargil on July 4, 1999, to express solidarity with the armed forces and boost their morale. He recalled that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah received them at Srinagar airport and appreciated their decision to visit the war-affected region. Dhumal said Vajpayee’s leadership and firm commitment to national interests played an important role in strengthening the morale of the armed forces during the conflict.
Speaking about veterans’ welfare, Dhumal referred to the long-standing demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP), stating that the issue had been raised in Parliament in 1990. He said Modi had promised to implement OROP at a rally in Sujanpur in 2014 and that the demand was subsequently addressed by the Union government. He also highlighted the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), introduced under Vajpayee’s government, which provides healthcare facilities to eligible veterans and their dependants. Dhumal said soldiers who safeguard the nation’s borders deserve respect, healthcare and continued support for themselves and their families.
Dhumal further recalled his efforts to support families of Himachal Pradesh soldiers who were martyred during the Kargil War. He said he personally visited the homes of 52 martyrs, met their families and provided financial assistance. He added that efforts were made to facilitate livelihood opportunities, including petrol pumps and gas agencies for eligible dependants, along with educational support for the children of martyrs. Stressing that respect for soldiers must extend beyond ceremonial occasions, he said their families should receive sustained assistance, their concerns should be addressed and their children’s futures should remain a priority.
Calling upon ex-servicemen to continue contributing to society, Dhumal said their experience, discipline and dedication could guide younger generations and strengthen community life. Office-bearers of the BJP Ex-Servicemen Cell described his experiences as inspiring and emphasised the continuing role of veterans in nation-building.
