Independence Day 2018: Do you know Kargil war jawan who took 'six' bullets for the country, runs a juice shop in Delhi
Independence Day 2018: Do you know Kargil war jawan who took 'six' bullets for the country, runs a juice shop in Delhi
A 1999 Kargil war hero, who took six bullets is now forced to run a juice shop in Delhi. The Kargil war veteran, Satbir Singh, of the Rajputana Rifles, who lives in a small house in North Delhi's Mukhmelpur village is running odd errands to serve a family of four as a juice-seller. The 53-year-old soldier who was left disabled when Pakistan fired six bullets at him during the war, still limps as one of the bullets is still in his right leg.
Singh later took voluntary retirement from his post. Well, by the then government, he was entitled to a petrol pump and one-acre land. But now, 20 years later, his is running a juice shop for his survival.
Singh was five-years-old when he used to participate in this chore."I felt inspired to be a part of the Indian Army," he said. He was bought up in an environment, where he was motivated to raise slogans like ‘Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan’ as he waved Tricolour with other villagers in every lane.
Singh was also part of the NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadre where he received training for about two years. His family wasn't financially strong due to which he had to leave his education. He had also worked as Indian Home Gaurd for two years. And, later he finally got into the Indian Army.
Singh served as an Indian Army soldier for 14 years, out of which the eight and a half years he served in Srinagar. After 1989, the situation in Kupwara and Bandipora started deteriorating.
After getting a discharge from the hospital, he conducted an enquiry where was told he has to survive on a given pension of Rs 4,000/month only (as of 2000). Kisi ke bacho ko naukri mil gayi, kisi ki biwi ko naukri mil gayi, kisi ko gas agency, kisi ko kheti karne ke liye zameen de di gayi.” At present, Singh is getting a pension of Rs 23,000/month.
"Samvidhaan ke anusaar,1999-2000 mein ye niyam tha ki yudh mein ghayal fauji ko zameen ka ek tukda dekar sammaanit kiya jaayega" said a brave Satbir.