42 DAY OF RELAY
HUNGER STRIKE
26 JULY 2015
Today is the 42nd day of Relay Hunger Strike at Jantar
Mantar by Ex-servicemen. 24 Ex-servicemen from Punjab, Rajasthan observed RHS
at Jantar Mantar.
26th July is also the 16th anniversary of Kargil conflict
with Pakistan. On this day the last Pakistani soldier was driven out of Indian Territory,
which was occupied by the Pakistan army by deceit.
The day started with A Kargil Vijay Divas Run organized by the UFESM.More than 800 runners participated in the 11Km run in
memory of victory of India over Pakistan in Kargil conflict and also to
remember the brave soldiers who made this victory possible with their
exceptional bravery. All runneres were given complimentary caps and t-shirts with OROP embossed on them.. Entry to run was
open to all citizens and was free. Citizens from all walks of life enthusiastically
participated in the run. The run started from DSOI and culminated at Jantar
Mantar via India Gate. All participants paid homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at
India Gate to Kargil heroes. Sumptuous breakfast was served at Jantar Mantar.
It was decided that all ESM will light a candle at their doorstep
in memory of soldiers who were martyred in the Kargil conflict and will pray
silently for two minutes at 8 PM tonight.
Sh Anna Hazare visited Jantar Mantar in support of OROP of
ex-servicemen. Some media channels have questioned the necessity to separate
stage for Sh Anna Hazare. The fact is that ESM are sitting on RHS at JM for
last 42 days. This stage is like a sacred temple to ESM and ESM are very
emotionally attached to the stage and location. However this stage is not
facing to the road and there is very little space in-front. It was not to make it possible
to accommodate the large number of ESM expected to attend the event. Hence a new
stage was erected at JM for Sh Anna Hazare’s program. On completion of planned
program, Sh Anna Hazare came to the sacred temple to bless and encourage ESM on
RHS. He extended full support to agitating ESM and confirmed that he can
understand their agony being an ESM himself. OROP is our long pending demand
and he requested Government to approve this without any delay and end this
suspense. He also advised ESM that democracy is strengthened with
agitation/movements like this. More than 5000 ESM from eight states had
attended today’s agitation.
Sh Anna Hazare praised resolve of ESM to continue with
agitation till Government issues notification for the OROP. Speakers after speakers
expressed that they are losing faith in political leaders who do not fulfil their
promises while asking for votes at the time of elections.
It was decided to move the agitation to next phase and in
that it was planned that visibility of agitating ESM will be increased pan
India. Kargil Vijay Divas run is the beginning of the shift into next phase. In
this phase more towns will be included in the agitation. Today Kulu, Bilaspur,
Reva have been added in the agitation.
Five ESM offered to go on fast un to death. These five ESM
steadfast in their resolve to go on fast un to death. ESMs were finally
convinced to give five more days to Government before resoring on such a strong
step. Finally they agreed to popular request and have decided to wait for five
more days and will start fast un to death from 1st of August.
Decision to boycott all Government functions by ESM was once
again endorsed by the all present by raising hands in support.
Mood of agitators is upbeat and morale is very high. ESM took
a vow to strengthen the agitation further and take it to new highs.
Today’s proceedings were widely covered by main media
channels and reported live. Vernacular press also covered it widely.
Col Anil Kaul, VrC
Media Advisor
