Jammu, May 11 (Scoop News) – J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appreciated the yeoman services rendered by the ex-servicemen in fighting terrorism and their positive contribution in the overall development of the Jammu region. Omar was speaking in an ESM rally organized by White Knight Corps on Tuesday at Sainik School, Nagrota. The rally was aimed at providing care, help & succour to ESM of Jammu, Udhampur and Katra region by giving them a forum to air their problems .
The rally was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of J&K. Lt Gen BS Jaswal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen Rameshwar Roy, AVSM,YSM,GOC, White Knight Corps and various senior Army and civ dignitaries also graced the occasion.
During the rally Lt Gen BS Jaswal, expressed indebtness of the nation to the soldiers and ‘Veer Naris’ for the supreme sacrifices made by them. He also highlighted various new schemes offered for ex-servicemen in the field of education, admission into professional colleges and other employment avenues post retirement. Mr Chib, Minister of Technical, Medical, Education, Youth Services and Sports was also present for the event.
The rally witnessed a spectacular display of jointmanship between the Army and civil administration to stage such a large scale event which was attended by nearly 1000 veterans and 15 ‘Veer Naris’ (War Widows). The rally consisted of approximately 25 stalls from various Army & civil departments so as to make the ESM aware of various welfare schemes provided by the Army & the Government. Representatives from Sainik Welfare Department, Resettlement Department, Department of Rural Development, ECHS (ESM Contributory Health Scheme), Army Recruitment Organization, Army Welfare Education Society, Defence Pension Disbursement Office established their stalls in the rally and provided the much needed information and helpline to the ESM. In addition, officials from various Regimental Centres, NCC, State Bank of India, Fisheries Department, Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, Animal Husbandry Department also established their stalls. A medical camp was also organized wherein the Army and civil doctors including Medical Specialists, Surgical Specialists and Gynecologist/Lady Medical Officer provided healthcare advice and free Medicines to the ESM & Veer Naris. The participants were delighted by the manner in which they were welcomed at the venue with refreshments on arrival and lunch in the afternoon.
“The rally was a big success towards extending our obligations to the ex-servicemen of the region and showcase the continued commitment of the Armed Forces for the recognition of the valuable sacrifices and services rendered by the ESM and Veer Naris towards the prosperity and development of the nation”, said Brig Umar Faruk, Chief Signal Officer of White Knight Corps and overall in-charge of the conduct of the rally. It was also a nostalgic moment for the veterans to remember the good old days of the glorious profession they had followed in the past.