Amnesty for Army deserters

ROOPNAGAR, June 25: The Central Government has decided to treat those who deserted the Army in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar in 1984 on par with ex-servicemen in terms of certain self-employment schemes.

Earlier, the deserters were being denied certain benefits that ex-servicemen are normally entitiled to and were being given a measly monthly allowance of Rs 500. The decision will now benefit about 120 Army deserters from Punjab. Following Operation Bluestar, scores of Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army had rebelled and left their barracks in various parts of the country. At Sikh Regimental Centre in Bihar alone, 1,050 raw recruits mutinied in June 1984.

As per the circular received at the District Sainik Welfare office here, the deserters can now avail of loans under various Government schemes.

The Director, Sainik Welfare office, Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Kahlon said: 8220;This would benefit 120 of the total 400 deserters, most of whom have already been absorbed into the para-military forces.8221;

Hesaid the orders had been issued following a series of meetings Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had with deserters. It has been also decided to enhance allowance to the deserters from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500.According to Brigadier Kahlon, the notification was 8220;expected anytime.8221;