OROP protest continues for 69th day

Saturday was sixth day of hunger strike by retired Col Pushpender Singh and Havildar Major Singh, and fifth day for Havildar Ashok Chauhan

The protest over the delay in the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme continued for the 69th day on Saturday, with three veterans observing an indefinite fast for nearly a week.

Saturday was the sixth day of the indefinite hunger strike by retired Colonel Pushpender Singh and former Havildar Major Singh, and the fifth day for retired Havildar Ashok Chauhan.

On Saturday, 80 widows from Haryana also joined the relay fast.

Spokesperson for the Indian Ex-Servicemen Front Col. Anil Kaul (retd.) told IANS that the medical parameters of the three veterans were stable and their health was fine.

On Saturday, a motorbike rally supporting OROP was also taken out by a citizens' group -- Citizens For Forces -- with their placards supporting the veterans.

Support also poured in the form of monetary assistance and other things with NGOs, individuals and organisations coming forward to back the veterans.

However, there was no message from the government to the veterans.

The ex-servicemen are hoping to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have sought help from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for this.