War Jagir scheme: Septuagenarian runs from pillar to post to get benefits

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 2

Septuagenarian Darbara Singh and his family have been running from pillar to post to get the benefits awarded by the state government under the War Jagir scheme. Lance Naik Darbara Singh took part in the 1962 war against China and in the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan.

Even as the government held grand celebrations to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers in these wars, it failed to acknowledge the sacrifice of a Sikh soldier, Darbara Singh.

He had received injuries in both his legs in the 1971 theatre of war in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. He was also a boxing player of his unit. The old and frail soldier now walks with a limp.

Notably, his father, Dhian Singh, and grandfather, Harnam Singh, had also served in the Indian Army.

His family hails from Dhand Kasel village in Tarn Taran district. Now, he along with his wife, Narinder Kaur, son, Jaspal Singh, and daughter, Harvinder Kaur, has been living in Amritsar for the past nearly two decades.

Lt Gen Sumer Singh, Colonel of the Sikh regiment, in a letter issued on March 29, 2013, had recommended the case of Darbara Singh of 6 Sikh.

In consideration of his meritorious services, a War Jagir was issued to the soldier by the Punjab government vide Sanad bearing No. 4772 of 1967 wherein he was entitled to certain land/monetary benefits from the Punjab government. However, despite numerous requests, the aged soldier has not been given any benefit so far.

Darbara Singh recalled that during his 15 years of a long and eventful career in the Army, he had been posted at forward posts along the China border like Jalpalas, Kapup and Tukla.

He said he was allotted land at Dhand village in Tarn Taran district, but it was never handed over to him. He recalled that his father, Dhian Singh, had also been awarded land for his gallant service in the Army.

His family has been living on rent because they had to sell their small house to fund their fight to get justice in 1998.

Even Commanding Officer of the 6 Sikh, in a recommendation letter issued on January 14, 2012, stated that ex-jawan Darbara Singh had served with the Sikh regiment from 1962 to 1977. For his gallant action during the war, he was granted a War Jagir. In spite of regular correspondence by this unit with various government offices concerned, no assistance has been provided to the individual till date.