By News Agency of Kashmir
Jammu : Making a fervent appeal to the people for donating generously towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha lauded the role of Armed Forces during wars and in peace.
‘The sacrifices offered by the Armed Forces bear testimony to their patriotism and devotion and dedication towards the duties, Governor today kick started the fund collection drive by himself contributing towards the Fund at a function held at Raj Bhavan.
‘In Jammu and Kashmir the Army has been splendidly fighting low intensity war as also carrying out extensive and commendable civic programmes to improve the quality of life of people. He said “the Army has been playing a crucial role in guarding borders and assisting the civil population during natural calamities”.
He elaborated “during their service to the Nation many have been martyred, disabled and become infirm. ‘Rehabilitation and resettlement of these personnel and their families is our sacred obligation”, he added.
The Governor said that this Day is an occasion to express ‘our gratitude to these gallant heroes and express our solidarity with them and their families’. The General presented shields to Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Jammu Col (Retd) Karan Singh and District Administration, Udhampur for maintaining the top two slots in the collection drive consecutively for the sixth year. He also released a calendar brought out by the Rajya Sainik Board.
While the Zila Sainik Welfare Board, Jammu has achieved over seven fold increase in fund collection target by raising Rs 3.44 lakhs, the District Administration, Udhampur follows with a collection of Rs 2.28 lakh. The overall collections have touched about Rs 20 lakhs during the last year while a target of Rs 40 lakhs has been fixed for the next year.
Among others present on the occasion were, R S Chib, MLC and former minister, Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sudhanshu Pandey and senior officers besides retired services officers.
Director Rajya Sainik Welfare Board, Brig (Retd) K S Kotwal briefed the Governor about the measures being taken for welfare of ex-servicemen and their families in the State.
In the evening, the Governor hosted At Home to ex-service officers at Raj Bhavan.