DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): The Indian Freedom Fighters Children’s Welfare Nagaland (IFFCWN) today issued a rejoinder to the NPF 19 Phek AC unit’s allegations of a “hoax” pension scheme being used by certain leaders in the constituency to “misguide” the public and register them “under BJP Karnavati towards BJP membership drive.”
A press release from Vevotso Sapu, Convenor of the IFFCWN informed that there is a scheme called the ‘Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana’ where at present 37,356 freedom fighters and their eligible dependent pensioners are covered, which includes 12,657 freedom fighters and 23,127 dependent spouses and 1572 daughters.
It further informed that this scheme covers throughout Phek district, rather than just 19 A/C.
The IFFCWN meanwhile said that “while the country has over 30,000 pensioners, we, the most affected, have not received any of those benefits.” “For that reason, we have been fighting for the rights of those villagers who contributed to and suffered as a result of the INA, Japanese, and British war under Phek District,” it stated.
To the NPF 19th Phec AC unit, the IFFCWN said that “there are still some good powerless public leaders who selflessly fight for the people and their rights bringing results.”
It further informed that “all the 900 plus beneficiaries have their freedom fighter successor certificates issued from the office of the Deputy Commissioner Phek, Nagaland, after various level of scrutiny hence there is nothing illegal or baseless involved in this.”
“In fact we are thankful to the State Government for granting the amount to the Indian Freedom Fighters (IFA) and certificate holder of 1944 with INA in Nagaland in celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” it added.
The IFFCWN said that Aadhar cards are being used as proof of genuine persons who are covered by this scheme. “It's not like we're playing hide and seek; we do things legally and openly without being bothered. But we don’t feel obligated to give every detail here, and hence, any curious members may contact us,” the IFFCWN stated.
It informed that the IFFCWN is an organization that has existed for many years “and a renowned organization even in the national level.” Further, it clarified that “there is no connection of this pension scheme with BJP registration and any of the accusation leveled against us.” It demanded a “public apology” from the NPF 19 A/C unit “for defaming 900 plus Indian Freedom Fighter (INA) Children Welfare, Nagaland with ill intention, within five days of this publication.”
