Ravinder Sood

Palampur, March 24

The family of Army man Vikas Bhardwaj, who was shot dead by militants in Manipur in 2015, is yet to receive compensation promised by the government at the time his cremation.

Rakesh Bhardwaj, father of the slain soldier, said even after four years of the death of his son, the authorities were yet to fulfil promises made then.

The family resides in Pandol (Matehar), 7 km from Baijnath. Rakesh, who is now facing several age-related issues, said Vikas was his only son and the only hope.

He was only 24-year-old when he attained martrydom. The tragic news was conveyed to them by the Army headquarters on June 4, 2015, he said.

He said at the time of his son’s cremation, MLAs had visited their village and promised to provide financial assistance to them. It was also promised to construct a road and name a school after his son. However, even after four years, nothing had been done.

He accused the government and the Army authorities of belittling the supreme sacrifice made by his son.

The martyr’s father said in the last four years, no representative from the state government had visited them to extend support. Even the local MLA did not come.

“All we have from the authorities are a few condolence letters — from the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Commanding Officer of Vikas,” he said.

Vikas was a second-generation Army man. His father Rakesh Bhardwaj retired as a Naib Subedar.

“The way the authorities have responded to the supreme sacrifice by Vikas, we think his bravery was an act of foolishness,” said the martyr’s family members.

“I have written numerous letters to the state government and met various officials to seek justice, but in vain. I have stopped making any efforts for the past two years. There are no more expectations left,” said Rakesh Bhardwaj.