The Delhi Police on Tuesday apologised to ex-servicemen whom they had forcibly tried to evict from Jantar Mantar before Independence Day celebrations for security reasons.
The veterans had been protesting on the spot for days demanding implementation of One-Rank One-Pension (OROP). As police action had yielded criticism from several quarters then Home Minister Rajnath Singh had interved, allowing the veterans to continue their protest peacefully.
In a move to win their hearts and minds, the Minister directed police officials to reach out to the agitators, who were deeply hurt by the way they were treated. The ex-servicemen had called the police action “barbaric” and “undemocratic”.
To break the ice, Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) MK Meena went to the protest venue and apologised for the August 14 action. Sources said Delhi Police’s apology came after the Home Minister sought details of the police action.
“On August 14, misunderstanding had taken place. We have discussed the issue in detail. At times some confusion takes place. We will try to take corrective action. I want to say that our intention was not to hurt the ex-soldiers,” Meena, flanked by a number of ex-servicemen, told reporters. He said the Delhi Police respects the ex-servicemen and that it will ensure their protection.
“Whether they are in service or not, we respect them as they take care of external security. We are with you and this force will be for your service and not to control you. If there is any problem, if you have some problem, we will support you. We respect you,” the officer said. The ex-servicemen are on a protest for over two months demanding implementation of OROP.
Close to 22 lakh ex-servicemen and over six lakh war widows stand to benefit from the scheme (if it is implemented), which envisages a uniform pension for the defence personnel who retire in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement.