Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), along with First Lady Neelam Mishra, attended the Veterans Rally and Pension Adalat 2024 organized by the Fire & Fury Corps at Rinchen Auditorium on August 22.

In his address, the LG emphasized that no country can remain stable without respecting its soldiers, ex-servicemen, and Veer Naris. He highlighted the priority given by developed nations, such as the United States, to their soldiers and war heroes. The LG also noted that since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, the welfare and benefits of soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and war heroes have been a priority. He commended the Indian Army for its commitment to the welfare of these individuals.

The LG praised the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme by the Government of India, stating that it has ensured financial stability for retired Army personnel. He urged ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and war heroes to remain grateful for the nation's support and to continue contributing to national security and development. The LG also encouraged current Army officials to prioritize the welfare of ex-servicemen, reminding them that they, too, will retire one day.

Highlighting the importance of the Agniveer/Agnipath scheme in keeping the Army young and dynamic, the LG urged soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and war heroes to promote the scheme among Ladakhi youth and encourage them to join the Indian Army for the benefit of Ladakhi society and the nation. He expressed his displeasure over misinformation being spread about the scheme.

The LG underscored the ultimate sacrifice made by martyrs for national security and stressed that it is the duty of the Administration and the Army to care for them. He commended the Indian Army for fulfilling this responsibility with diligence. He encouraged ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, war heroes, and widows to take full advantage of the Veterans Rally and Pension Adalat and to continue contributing to the nation's progress with the same vigor and dedication.

The LG also informed the audience about his recent meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, during which he requested the addition of a new Army battalion for Ladakh, expressing hope that this would happen soon.

During the event, the LG felicitated Veer Naris and war heroes.

GOC 14 Corps, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, stated that the main objective of the Veterans Rally and Pension Adalat was to address the issues faced by ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, war heroes, and widows. He highlighted various initiatives taken by the UT Administration and the Indian Army to support these individuals and reiterated the Fire & Fury Corps' commitment to providing all possible assistance.

Earlier, GOC Sub-Area, Major Gen Ravinder Kumar, welcomed the guests, while President of the Ex-Servicemen League, Hon Captain Sonam Morup, gave the vote of thanks.

The event was attended by GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla; Chief of Staff 14 Corps Maj Gen VK Singh; GOC Sub-Area Maj Gen Ravinder Kumar; Ashok Chakra recipient Chering Motup; Director of Sainik Welfare Department, Col (Retd) Lobzang Neema; Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Kargil, Arvind Kumar Pawar; President of the Ex-Servicemen League, Hon Captain Sonam Morup; as well as ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, war heroes, and widows from various parts of Ladakh.