Hisar: At an ex-servicemen rally held at the Hisar Military Cantonment on Saturday, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, said that Pakistan surrendered within 90 hours during Operation Sindoor. Speaking to mediapersons, he recalled the tense period following a major terrorist attack inside the country. “We were preparing for a long battle and even prepared a list of veterans to be called up, but the conflict ended far sooner than expected. The enemy surrendered in just 90 hours,” he said. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 1,500 ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and their families from 10 districts — Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jhajjar, Jind, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Rohtak, and Sirsa. Attendees also availed themselves of medical camp facilities. Haryana’s minister for military and paramilitary welfare, Rao Narbir Singh, was the chief guest. Major General Amit Talwar, GOC of the Dot on Target Division, was also present. The rally also honoured Veer Naris, war-wounded veterans, and awarded medals for exceptional service. Thirteen disabled veterans received e-scooters, assistive devices, and financial support.Nature of Warfare Has Changed: Lt Gen SinghLt Gen Singh said the future of warfare lies in a combination of contact and non-contact combat. “Earlier, wars were fought only by uniformed forces. Today, cyber attacks can cripple an entire system without warning. Recently, an airport system was disrupted; air traffic control and railways remain highly vulnerable,” he said, stressing that national security now demands close coordination between civil and military agencies. “Modern wars involve the whole nation. Civil administration also shares responsibility,” he added.SPARSH, Benefits for VeteransHe highlighted that pension disbursal at the central level is now conducted through the SPARSH scheme under Digital India, ensuring timely benefits to ex-servicemen. Some pensioners are still in the process of being added to the system, he said. Lt Gen Singh announced home delivery of medicines for veterans aged above 70 and the setting up of 20 veterans’ hospitals offering both indoor and outdoor facilities.Changes Expected in Agniveer SchemeSpeaking about the Agniveer recruitment system, he said the first batch is expected in 2026, but several changes are under consideration. “The govt has also appointed a joint secretary specifically for this scheme,” he said. Agniveer Martyrs to Get Rs 1 Crore Assistance: Rao Narbir SinghHaryana minister Rao Narbir Singh briefed veterans on state welfare schemes and said that families of Agniveer soldiers who attain martyrdom receive Rs 1 crore in assistance. He added that soldiers injured during war or operations receive between Rs 15 lakh to Rs 35 lakh. Appealing to veterans, he said, “Each veteran should plant at least one tree. This alone can help clean the environment.”Subedar Honoured for Vigilance During Operation SindoorHonorary Subedar Sahib Singh was felicitated for his alertness during Operation Sindoor. According to military officials, he spotted a drone near the Hisar cantonment and immediately alerted the military helpline, enabling timely defensive action.Caption of photo: Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh meeting veteransCaption of photo: Veterans present at the rallyCaption of photo: Minister Rao Narbir Singh and Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh honouring veterans MSID:: 125658047 413 |