Parrikar likely to meet protesters demanding OROP

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to meet protesters who are demanding implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) here today, a television channel has reported.

Parrikar’s expected meeting comes in the wake of other media reporting that ex-servicemen organisations are planning to show black flags to Parikka when he visits Mohali, Punjab, on July 12.

They have also reportedly indicated that they will boycott a Punjab Government function that he is scheduled to attend on the same day.

Parrikar is visiting Mohali to inaugurate the Punjab Government’s Armed Forces Preparatory Academy for Girls.

Ex-servicemen organisations in Punjab are also planning demonstrations at various locations across the state. One such rally is being organised on July 8 by the Indian Ex-Services League (IESL) in Bathinda.

The chairman of Indian Ex-Services Movement (IESM), Lt. Gen. Raj Kadyan (retired), has been quoted by the Indian Express, as saying that while the spirit among the ex-servicemen is praiseworthy, the kind of strong language used at public meetings and contemplated action is scary.

In an e-mail to ex-servicemen, Lt.Gen. Kadyan said that this sort of scenario was not in the national interest.

Relay hunger strike-related protests in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar area by 75 ex-servicemen over the delay in the implementation of the promised OROP scheme entered the 23rd day on Tuesday.

Parrikar had earlier said complications around the implementation of the OROP have been sorted out, but gave no date for its implementation.

Social activist Anna Hazare has also reportedly backed the implementation of the OROP.