Jalandhar, July 26

Kamal, mother of Kargil martyr Deputy Commandant Mohinder Raj, attended the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas today.

Abandoned by her daughter-in-law and losing her husband three years ago, Kamal is left to fend for herself with old-age pension of a mere Rs 1,500. Her son lost his life in a militant attack in Kashmir.

Kamal’s husband Mohan Lal dedicated his life, after his son’s martyrdom, writing to various ministries seeking financial benefits but the demands are yet to be met. Mohan Lal retired as District Manager, Punjab Scheduled Caste Financial Corporation. His job had no pension provision.

On July 13, 1999, during the ongoing Kargil War, BSF Deputy Commandant Mohinder Raj, who was then 31-year old, lost his life in a militant attack at Bandipore in Baramulla. He had been married only seven months ago.

Gold medallist Mohinder Raj started his career as a professor of history at DAV College, Jalandhar. His passion to serve the country made him join the BSF in 1993. Two months after his martyrdom, his son was born in September 1999.

Kamal says, “Our daughter-in-law received all financial benefits as a martyr’s wife. She shifted to her parents’ home. For 25 years, we have fought for monetary benefits, but got nothing.”

Her daughter-in-law is a Commissioner with the Excise Department and grandson Rajvir studies abroad.

Despite her pain, Kamal is a proud mother. “Mohinder was an NCC cadet in college. He was proud of donning the uniform and used to say, ‘Mai vi vardi pani, desh di sewa karni hai’ (I will also don the uniform and serve the country.) We never thought he would give up academics to join the BSF. But I’m proud of my son. Our son died for a great cause.”

Speaking about her daughter-in-law, she says, “I have nothing to say against her. She too lost husband at a young age. May she make our grandson like his father. My anger is with governments. ‘Eh aap AC rooms vich behnde ne, mavan de putt shahadat dinde ne. (Leaders sit in AC rooms, and mother’s sons are martyred).’I’m not begging. I’m asking for my rights in old age as a mother of a brave son.”