Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 14

Bant Kaur, who lost her husband Pyara Singh in the 1965 India-Pakistan War, and Surjit Kaur, widow of 1962 India-China War hero Jangir Singh, are running from pillar to post to get financial aid. Remarried, both have threatened to sit on dharna outside the civil secretariat in Chandigarh to press for the demands of widows like them.The two widows today met Patiala Deputy Commissioner Rambir Singh to raise the issue of pending compensation.Bant Kaur, who resides at Duladdi village, said: “I have worked as a daily-wager and washed utensils to earn a livelihood. I am waiting that someday I would be given the promised 10-acre land. Despite writing letters and raising our issue time and again, all that we hear is that the government is yet to clear 60-odd cases of war widows residing in Punjab.”Bant survives on a pension of Rs 12,000 per month, given by the Army in recognition of her husband’s sacrifice. Her husband (from the second marriage) and son also work as daily-wagers.Surjit Kaur, who lives at Alhaura village, said, “The government announced 10 acres each for war widows; 1977 was the deadline. No one informed us nor was I told how to apply for the land.”

AAP promise

Aam Aadmi Party leader Balbir Singh said he would take up the cause of Punjab’s war widows and facilitate Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with them. “If the government further delays their cases, they will die penniless,” he added.As per estimates, there are about 60 such pending cases in Punjab, of which three were from Patiala. One widow has died, while the other two continue to fight for their rights.