Ex-Servicemen Condemn Brutal Attack on Serving Colonel and His Son by Punjab Police.
Shimla:
The United Front of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Himachal Pradesh has expressed its deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent brutal attack on a serving Army Colonel, Pushpinder Singh, and his son by Punjab Police personnel in Patiala on the night of March 13-14.
Captain Jagdish Verma (Retd), Chairman of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen Himachal, emphasized that such incidents are not only worrisome but also alarming, particularly given the increasing frequency of these attacks against both serving and retired defense personnel.
The incident, which took place during the intervening night, saw Colonel Pushpinder Singh and his son being physically assaulted by police officers in what is being described as an unprovoked and brutal attack. The ESM Himachal strongly condemned the actions of the Punjab Police and called for immediate and strict action to be taken against the perpetrators.
In a press statement, Captain Verma highlighted that incidents of violence involving police and defense personnel have been occurring with disturbing regularity. Similar attacks have been reported in other regions of India, including Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), New Delhi, Odisha, Gwalior, and Jaipur. Verma further pointed out that despite the Army Headquarters’ initiative to set up an Emergency Helpline No. 155306 to assist affected personnel, the helpline has not been widely used, largely due to a lack of awareness and publicity.
The United Front of Ex-Servicemen strongly called on the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, to take decisive steps in response to these recurring incidents. Captain Verma has urged the Ministry to form a high-powered committee to look into these cases and formulate specific regulations to prevent such attacks in the future. The committee would also be tasked with conducting thorough investigations into each of the incidents, ensuring that those responsible for such attacks are held accountable.
“We demand that all individuals involved in these heinous acts be brought to justice. Stringent action must be taken to ensure that no such incidents take place in the future. The safety and dignity of defense personnel, whether serving or retired, must be safeguarded at all costs,” Captain Verma stated.
The ex-servicemen’s group also appealed to the public and media to raise awareness about the situation and urged the government to take concrete actions to prevent any future clashes between the police and Army personnel across India.
The incident has sparked outrage among the defense community, with many calling for stronger mechanisms and safeguards to protect the rights and security of those who have served the nation in uniform. The ex-servicemen’s group has pledged to continue their fight for justice, ensuring that all defense personnel, whether in active service or retired, receive the respect and protection they deserve.
