Before BJP, national security suffered: Modi prior to National War Memorial inauguration

Prior to the inauguration, the PM addressed a gathering of about 10,000 ex-servicemen at the National Stadium.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo | PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo | PTI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the country’s National War Memorial (NWM) adjoining the iconic India Gate complex by lighting the eternal flame. The memorial, spread across 40 acres, came into existence to honour the fallen soldiers post Independence.

Prior to the inauguration, the PM addressed a gathering of about 10,000 ex-servicemen at the National Stadium. He said the armed forces and national security suffered due to criminal negligence before his government came to power in 2014. Modi said the previous dispensation put “the family first”, while for him it was India first.

Referring to the long delay in the construction of the memorial, the PM said the delay by previous governments in construction of national war memorial was an injustice to families of fallen soldiers. The Prime Minister said crucial decisions related to defence procurement and strengthening the armed forces were pending but his government cleared them on a priority basis.

He announced that three super-specialty hospitals for ex-servicemen will be set up. PM mentioned the Rafale deal and said attempts were being made to stall the arrival of the fighter aircraft. He said, “We are carrying out reforms in defence procurement.”

Pension arrears paid

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said a sum of D10,795.4 crore has been disbursed to family pensioners as arrears pension on account of the implementation of the OROP

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