Channai: Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, on Friday described the burning and returning medals by war veterans as a sign of disrespect to the nation and armed forces. He also asked the protesting ex-servicemen to prove there was no political motive behind their stir. Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of the launch of Navy’s Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft Boeing P 8 I (Poseidon Eight India), he said, “Medals are a sign of the sacrifice which is given by the armed forces and also for the gallantry performance”.
Criticising the method of protest, he said, “Burning and returning them amounts to an insult to the nation and the defence forces as well”.
On OROP, the minister said, “The scheme of One Rank One Pension was a promise made by the BJP during the elections and it has been fulfilled”.
On the various grievances raised by agitating veterans, the Union minister said that people have a right to protest since it is a democratic country and stated that the demands could be put forth before a judicial committee so that they could be dealt with accordingly.
