Naval veteran and octogenarian Tara Singh's 60-year battle for war injury pension ends in victory; details inside
Ludhiana (Kokli Kalan), July 22: After an arduous legal battle spanning over six decades, a long-overdue victory has been achieved for naval veteran Tara Singh (85), a native of Kokli Kalan in Ludhiana, Punjab.
In 1961, Tara Singh joined the Indian Navy's operation to liberate Goa from the Portuguese. During this perilous operation, he displayed unparalleled courage, but tragically sustained a gunshot wound to the head from Portuguese forces. Fearing for his life, doctors chose not to remove the bullet, leaving it lodged in his skull.
Recognising Tara Singh's sacrifice and service to the nation, in 1963, Tara Singh was granted a war injury pension. However, the turn of events took a devastating toll on him in 1971 when his pension was suddenly terminated. The authorities cited his disability as "nil," making him ineligible for further pension benefits.
Unwavered by the setback, Tara Singh, who is now 85, persisted in his pursuit of justice, determined to uphold his right to the pension he rightfully deserved. Over the years, he fought tenaciously, seeking the reinstatement of his pension and raising awareness about the plight of veterans who suffered similar injustices.
Tara Singh's ordeal was compounded by the fact that the bullet, a lasting reminder of his sacrifice and valor, remained lodged in his head. Despite facing tremendous adversity, he never lost hope and continued to seek recognition for his service and the acknowledgement of the sacrifice he made for the nation.
The turning point finally came when the Armed Forces Tribunal intervened and acknowledged the injustice that Tara Singh had endured for over six decades. The Tribunal upheld his claim and unequivocally stated that the termination of his pension was unjustified.
In a landmark ruling, the Central Government has been ordered to reinstate Tara Singh's pension within three months, finally honouring his selfless dedication to the nation and acknowledging his sacrifices for the greater good.
A beacon of hope for others
Tara Singh's victory serves as a beacon of hope for other veterans who have faced similar challenges in obtaining their rightful entitlements. His perseverance and unwavering commitment to seeking justice have paved the way for a more compassionate and supportive approach towards those who have served the nation.
- With inputs from our correspondent
