HYDERABAD: Veterans of thet India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 feel deeply let down by government's apathy to their demands for pension and medical facility. Across India there are 610 war veterans as per latest data, an RTI query revealed.

During a press conference organised in Hyderabad, four war veterans vented their frustration at the government's apathy.

They all joined Indian defence forces between 1965 and 1968, with a motive to protect "Indian sovereignty" in trying circumstances, after government made a call for youngsters to join the forces due to the then delicate security situation with Pakistan, and in aftermath of the China war of 1962.

They were all discharged from duties after 5 to 6 years, citing that their services were no more required. However, government treated these personnel as war veterans after several years of being discharged.

"After facing bullets and extreme difficulties we war veterans fought with Pakistan and protected the sovereignty. Why cannot the Indian government give us pension and medical facilities after doing so much of service to the country? We have been demanding the government for so many years and they are just not bothered. All the surviving war veterans are now above 75 years old and many due to their poor financial situation are unable to afford the medical bills. Is this the way, Indian government treats us?," asked the four veterans- Capt Chandra Hasan, Capt Vijay Kumar, Capt Pandu Ranga Reddy and Capt NS Narayana.

According to them, Ministry of Defence cleared the proposal for extending medical facilities long time ago but the issue has been kept pending for implementation.

