Six Second World War veterans or their widows attended a mega ex-servicemen (ESM) rally at 58 Gorkha Training Centre here today.
Thankimi Ralte was a Women’s Auxiliary Corps member of the Indian Air Force, serving from May 5, 1944 until after the fighting ended on November 29, 1946.
The late Tranquilson was enrolled in the Indian Navy on April 22, 1944 and retired on November 17, 1958. He passed away on January 31, 2010 and is survived by his wife, Tiewrupa Kharlukhi.
Lance Naik Man Bahadur Sarki, also deceased, was enrolled in the Assam Regiment on September 1, 1941 and retired on February 18, 1946. He died on May 8 (which is, incidentally, celebrated as Victory in Europe (VE) Day), 2011 and is survived by his wife Renu Sarki.
Naik Rowsell was enrolled in the Bengal Engineer Group on September 13, 1943 and retired on March 7, 1947. He was awarded the War Medal for his service. He is survived by his wife, Trobella Laloo.
Rifleman Nar Bahadur Ale was enrolled in 5/8 Gorkha Rifles on November 24, 1942 and was transferred to the reserves on August 15, 1959. He was a combatant in the 8 Gorkha Rifles and died on January 18, 2016 and is survived by his wife Padma Thapa.
Lance Naik KM Roy, who was enrolled in the EME on September 3, 1942 and transferred to the reserves on March 20, 1947. He died on September 17, 1984 and is survived by his wife Ivorine Jyrwa.
In his address, cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma thanked the veterans and their families for the service they rendered and hoped that they will continue to contribute to the society with the same vigour.
A one time grant of Rs 1 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant was presented to the one veteran and five war widows. In addition, 10 gifts to war widows and 60 gifts to ex-servicemen were also presented.
A number of stalls from various welfare agencies and organisations of the Army were set up at the venue with a focus to resolve pension and entitlement related problems being faced by veterans.
A medical camp, fully staffed with specialist doctors and medicines, was also set up to address immediate health issues.
In addition, important policy letters received regarding various financial schemes will be percolated including action taken during the last one year by Zilla Sainik Welfare Organisation, Shillong and Tura towards the welfare of the ex-servicemen.
