'Armed forces veterans an asset'

The armed forces of the country are a major integrating force and they must be represented in all policies affecting them and consulted on security and defence policies, Chairperson of National Commission for Minorities Wajahat Habibullah said today.
Speaking at a function at Panchkula to commemorate the services of retired forces on the eve of Vijay Divas, Habibullah said the veterans are a national asset.
Their services should be usefully employed by the services and the government, he said.
There should be an institutional mechanism to place the retiring veterans, particularly the jawans, in useful, and well-paid jobs, besides giving them training for a second career after retirement, he said.

On this note, he suggested that the jawans must revitalise Panchayti Raj Institutions, and empower themselves, and the society.
Brig Kiran Krishan, Convener (Retd), Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement(IESM), Panchkula and North Haryana said the seminar coincided with the commemoration of the Vijay Divas on December 16, when the Army defeated Pakistan in the 1971 battle.