The government of Punjab has been taking lot of steps to solve the problems of ex-servicemen. This was stated by Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab while inaugurating the civil-military liaison conference in Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a hub of defence personnel, and therefore, special attention is being paid to their problems.

Referring to terrorist activities abeted by Pakistan, Capt Amarinder Singh urged the Army to thwart such evil designs.

In his address, Lt Gen SS Mehta, GOC, Western Command, said that de-mining operations were in progress. The de-mining operations are the biggest of its kind undertaken by any army in the world. He added that the Army is determined to return the acquired land to the civil administration completely free of mines.

Referring to compensation to the farmers who were affected due to deployment of the Army, Lt Gen Mehta said that a sum of Rs 119 crore for Rabi crop covering the period upto July, last year has been released and disbursed through the civil administration. The compensation for Kharif crop for the period upto December, last year has been compiled and forwarded to the central government for sanction.

The conference provided an opportunity to discuss important issues of common interest and to synergise the efforts of the Army and civil administration for mutual benefit. Besides discussing welfare measures for ex-servicemen and next of kin of those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the nation, the conference also discussed security issues, disaster management and law and order situation.

Others who attended the conference included Mr Rajan Kashyap, Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab. Senior officials of the Western Command and para-military forces were also present on the occasion.