OROP suicide: Why did ex-jawan Ram Kishen Grewal consume poison?

He wanted to meet Defence Minsiter Manohar Parrikar

By: Somi Das |
November 2, 2016 11:37 am

Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent his Diwali with Army men while patting his government on the back for releasing Rs 5500 crore for the implementation of the One-Rank-One-Pension scheme, an ex-serviceman has committed suicide. Government not fulfilling it’s promise on OROP is the alleged reason behind the suicide. Ram Kishan Grewal, allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison while protesting against OROP.

Despite the government implementing OROP, veterans were never really happy with the terms and conditions. They had a problem with two major issues: Exclusion of those who take premature retirement from scheme and revision of the pension amount in five years. He came to the national capital from Haryan. Ex-servicemen have been protesting at Jantar Mantar over OROP over one year now.

In a written document, which is being billed as Ram Kishan Grewal’s suicide note he writes: “”I have worked with the 105 infantry Batallion Rajrifle Group for 6 years and 11 months. After taking discharge I worked in Defence Security Corps. This constitutes 30 years of my working life. Like me, thousands of Jawans who have worked with the both the services will not get the benefits of OROP.

Last letter by Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal (rtd) who committed suicide for non compliance of OROP by Govt. pic.twitter.com/CqwqxW1Yxo

— आशुतोष (@ashu3page) November 2, 2016

The issue is taking a political hue with the AAP lambasting the government for not allegedly keeping its OROP promise.

According to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Delhi Cantonment Commando Surender Ram Kishan Grewal had come to Delhi to protest against the government’s alleged going back on the implementation of the OROP scheme.

A Hindu report quoted him as saying “He was protesting at Jantar Mantar and had then proceeded to meet the Defence Minister with a group of fellow protesters when he consumed poison.”

While AAP leader Ashutosh tweeted out the “suicide note”, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said: “Under Modi raj both farmers and Jawans are committing suicide”. Kejriwal will visit Garehwal’s family members in Haryana today.