Kohima, November 10 (MExN): A Joint Army-Assam Rifles Veteran's Rally on the theme, ‘We Care, We Share’ was organised at Kohima Garrison by Assam Rifles with Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Major General Vikas Lakhera, Sena Medal as the chief guest on November 10.
Approximately 700 Veterans & Veer Naris/Widows of Army, Navy, Air Force and Assam Rifles from all districts of Nagaland attended the Rally, PRO (Defence), Kohima said in a press release.
Addressing the gathering, Maj Gen Lakhera acknowledged the presence of the veterans and Veer Naris/ Widows who travelled long distances to attend the rally and welcomed all attendees on behalf of Lieutenant General PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, DGAR and Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, AVSM, SM, GOC, 3 Corps.
The objective of the rally was to establish a single platform to address the grievances of ex-servicemen. Senior officers from HQ DGAR and HQ 3 Corps/Rajya Sainik Board addressed the Veterans on matters related to pension benefits and latest policies.
A medical camp was also set up to provide specialised medical services to include dental facilities and Gynaecologist for Veterans and Veer Naris. Several Veer Naris, War Widows and disabled soldiers were felicitated by providing wheel chairs, hearing aids, walking sticks etc. Aids were provided to nine Army and 32 Assam Rifles Veterans.
A cultural programme including Pipe Band display by 1 Assam Rifles Pipe Band, folk dance by 164 Naga TA team and cultural performance by veterans were presented.
A total of 22 stalls including ARESA, ARO, pension cell, resettlement, banks, horticulture department, agriculture department, ITI, state legal services, canteen services etc were established to provide “instant services” regarding long pending issues/grievances of ESM.
