OROP: Broken-up veterans to go ahead with protest rally

New Delhi: A protest rally being organised by ex-servicemen over the `One Rank One Pension` (OROP) issue will take place as scheduled on September 12, even as some members walked away from the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (UFESM).

"The Ekta rally will be held as scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jantar Mantar on September 12," said Col. Anil Kaul (retd), spokesperson for the front.

"All veterans, their families, civil society members, students are requested to attend the rally and show solidarity with the soldiers," Col. Kaul said in a message.

"The OROP battle goes on notwithstanding few dropouts," he said.

In a setback to the ex-servicemen group spearheading the agitation for OROP, a key member, the Indian Ex-Services League led by Lt. Gen. Balbir Singh (retd), on Thursday left the UFESM, the umbrella body organising the protest.

Lt. Gen. Balbir Singh said he wanted to wait for a written order on OROP before holding any more protests.

The agitation and relay hunger strike, meanwhile, continued at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, for the 88th day.