Ex-servicemen denied entry into memorial

Ex-servicemen staging a protest near the Martyrs Memorial in Secunderabad on Sunday.

Express News Service Published: 27 Jul 2009 10:27:59 AM IST
HYDERABAD: AT a time when the nation paid its homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war, exservicemen in the city were denied the privilege. They were stopped from entering the Kargil Martyrs Memorial at Parade Grounds to pay their respects to those who laid their lives fighting the enemy in the hostile terrains of Kargil.

The nation celebrated the 10th year anniversary of the victory of Indian soldiers over their Pakistani counterparts in the Kargil war, on Sunday. Members of the AP Ex-servicemen Welfare Association on Sunday morning arrived at the Parade Grounds to pay their respects to the martyrs who laid their lives down for the country. Army authorities, however, did not allow them to enter the premises.

With the Army authorities unrelenting, the ex-servicemen laid wreaths on the fencing opposite the Martyrs Memorial and squatted on the pavement for sometime. Association president, A Rangaiah Goud, deplored the adamant attitude of the Army authorities and said they were ill-treated by the authorities.

He demanded that the government sack the director of Sainik Welfare Board and appoint an IAS or IPS officer who would work for their welfare.
Ex-servicemen denied entry into memorial