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Promises to keep

Promises made to the families of the armed forces personnel killed in the ongoing operations against Pakistani intruders must be kept, feel some of the 1971 war veterans from Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh.

In recent days both the Union and the state government have assured financial help to the family members of the personnel killed in Kargil. However, the government's track record in delivering these promises evokes little confidence.

Some of the promises made to the veterans of 1971 war haven't yet been fulfilled. Hamirpur district has five Vir Chakra awardees from the 1971 war. They Are: Flt. Commander Megh Nath Sangal, Col. Panjab Singh, Hav. Lekh Raj, Hav. Brij Lal and Hav. Ramesh Chand. Hav. Ramesh Chand and Hav. Brij Lal were honoured posthumously.

Hav. Lekh Raj of Dhamani village alleged that though many promises were made to him when he was awarded the Vir Chakra 22 years back, none of these were kept.

Meena Devi, 46, wife of Hav. Ramesh Chand, regretted that the state government did not fulfil its promise of registering a piece of land in her name. The land, she said, was given to her by the Himachal Pradesh government in recognition of her husband's bravery.

Vidya Devi, wife of Hav. Brij Lal of Aled village, has a similar story to tell. She hasn't been provided even the basic amenities by the state government since her husband's death.

Vir Chakra winner and Himchal Pradesh Sainik Welfare Department Director, Col. Panjab Singh, agrees that much needs to be done for the jawans who have sacrificed their lives for the country. He, however, assured that care will taken to see that the old mistakes are not repeated.

UNI

The Kargil Crisis

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