I
am greatly disappointed to read a newspaper report that ssays the OROP
pensioners are planning to return their medals on 11, 12 Nov.I wish to caution
them against such a retrograde step which will only lower the dignity of the
protest. Regardless of the dilly-dallying by the PM and his government, I want
them to remember that their tradition is to hold out and not to yield to any
pressure or provocation, not even from within themselves. There is already a
strong feeling from a a silent section of the veterans that there have been
efforts to politicise the OROP protest and make it part of a political agenda.
Finally I have this to say to the OROP protesters.
They
should not go the way of the actors, writers, artistes etc who have returned
their awards with much fanfare and questionable delays. Their awards have had their supporters and detractors. The
medals of the servicemen are a national tribute to their service to the nation
in war and peace. There has never been a single voice of dissent in the entire
nation. Do they wish to rebuff this tribute ?
Cud'nt agree with you more, Kutty! Cannot fathom why the protesters who are returning their medals think it will help their cause. It can only serve to embarrass the ruling administration who,ironically, in many cases are not the ones who gave the awards away. As you say, they simply need to stand their ground and stand firm. Resorting to such theatrics can only, rightly or wrongly, suggest that they have a political agenda.
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