The Ex-Servicemen League Mokokchung celebrated its silver jubilee at the 12 Assam Rifles Playground on December 18, with Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendhadkar, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Corps, as the chief guest.
Hon. Sub. Maj. Moatemsü (Retd.), president of the Ex-Servicemen League Mokokchung, recalled that 15 officers from the Ao tribe have retired from the armed forces, of whom three have since passed away. He thanked ex-servicemen from across Nagaland, including Kohima, Zunheboto, Wokha, Dimapur, Phek and Peren, for attending the program.
Addressing the gathering, Capt. (IN) Lalsuonglien Tonsing (Retd.), Director, Directorate of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Kohima, urged ex-servicemen to approach the directorate for matters related to pensions, welfare schemes and rehabilitation. He said the directorate also assists veterans in uploading applications for welfare schemes, adding that under the Rajya Sainik Scheme, beneficiaries can avail loans and grants such as book grants and marriage grants.
Lt Gen Pendhadkar, who said he belongs to the Assam Regiment, described the silver jubilee as a milestone and acknowledged the sacrifices made by ex-servicemen. He said the occasion was a testament to the collective support extended to veterans and noted that many continue to serve society even after retiring from active service.
He said the nation’s progress depends on values such as discipline, leadership and integrity, and stressed the importance of synergy between civil administration, veterans and civil society. He also called for collaborative efforts in skill development and youth-oriented programs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Hav. Chubameren (Retd.), convenor of the Silver Jubilee Planning Committee, said the league may have existed for more than 25 years but earlier records were not maintained. He said the league was formed to address challenges faced by ex-servicemen after retirement, particularly the need to travel individually to other states for pension-related paperwork.
Through the league, he said, a Sainik office was established to collectively address members’ concerns. He added that the platform has also helped bring ex-servicemen together, creating familiarity and strengthening unity among veterans in the district.