Veteran of 1971 Indo-Pak war leads destitute life

Veteran of 1971 Indo-Pak war leads destitute life

Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, Aug 24, 2018: Krishnayya Sheregar of Ulluru Kandavara is a 1971 Indo-Pak war veteran. He was amongst those brave soldiers who valiantly retaliated to the Pakistani attack on Indian airbases to emerge victorious in the war. However, this 66-year-old has now been forced to live the life of a destitute with no one to even inquire about his well being.

This brave soldier, who is the recipient of many an award has undergone a cardiac operation recently and remains bed-ridden now after having suffered a stroke.

The meagre pension that he does draw is not enough to meet his family expenses. Moreover, of the two sons that he has one, is differently-abled, while the other is unemployed. Sheregar also has two daughters.

Was  in ‘Operation Blue Star’  :  Having joined the Indian army as a sepoy, Sheregar was promoted to the rank of a Naik in 1983. He took part in the Jaffna war of 1984 and was also part of ‘Operation Blue Star’ in Amritsar. He was honoured with ’Vishisht Seva’ medal for his good service by the Indian government. He was also conferred with Sangram medal On the occasion of nations 25th Independence Day for his role in the Indo-Pak war.

Pitiable situation ignored :  Sheregar’s family live in a small dilapidated house, which is on the verge of collapse. The medals that he received for his service in the army are of no help to him in his present pitiable situation. Though many groups and organizations have invited him and honoured him in the past, none have come forward to help him when he needs it most.

Government must respond now :  “It is our pride to say that the brave soldier Krishnayya, who fulfilled his duty at various important occasions for the army and for the country, is from our village. But, in his current situation of ill health and the problems faced by his family, the government needs to respond properly and come to his assistance," said Nagaraj, a local.