Itanagar, April 26 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of military veterans and honoured the supreme sacrifices made by soldiers in service to the nation, emphasising their enduring role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and unity.

Addressing a mega veterans rally, the Governor also spoke on pension-related issues, welfare schemes and lauded the wholehearted support of the civil administration in successfully conducting the rally.

Defence Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Athul Sreedharan said that the Indian Army conducted the mega veterans rally ‘Strengthening Connect with Ex-Servicemen Community’ at Likabali in Arunachal Pradesh.

The rally was organised by Spearhead Division of Spearcorps in close coordination with the state and district administrations of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

He said that the event witnessed an overwhelming participation of more than 1,500 veterans, Veer Naris, serving soldiers, Next of Kin and dependents, reflecting the strong bond between the Armed Forces and its veteran fraternity.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sreedharan, the primary objective of the rally was to reach out to veterans and address key concerns, including pension disbursement anomalies, land and legal matters and other challenges faced by veterans and their families.

Representatives from Rajya Sainik Board Itanagar, Zila Sainik Welfare Offices of Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts Guwahati, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Record Offices, along with officials from state and district administration, government agencies and various banks present at the venue actively assisted veterans in resolving grievances and provided necessary guidance and support.

Veterans were also sensitised about resettlement schemes, second career avenues and re-employment opportunities facilitated by the Army Welfare Placement Organisation.

A comprehensive medical camp was organised to cater to the healthcare needs of attendees.

The Defence Spokesman said that the rally proved to be a significant initiative in addressing routine challenges faced by veterans and Veer Naris.

It provided a direct platform for interaction with authorities and reinforced the commitment of the Army and civil administration towards the welfare of the veteran community.

The event concluded on a highly successful note, leaving a lasting positive impact on all participants and further strengthening the bond with the veteran fraternity, the Spokesman added.

–IANS

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