OROP: There will be good news soon, says Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

New Delhi, Jul 9: At a time when ex-servicemen have announced boycotting government functions, show black flags to the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, to press for implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) soon, the minister has now assured that there will be 'good news' on the issue soon.

"There will be good news soon," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told PTI over One Rank One Pension issue.

Govt is working in the right direction, all I can say right now is that I will announce a positive news soon-Manohar Parrikar on OROP

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 9, 2015

Parrikar's statement comes in the wake of reports that ex-servicemen told media that they have decided to show black flags to the Defence Minister when he comes to Mohali on July 12 and boycott the Punjab government function he is coming to attend.

On the possibility of Myanmar-like strikes in future, the Defence Minister said, "Such things are a secret and cannot be shared."

Parrikar will be in Mohali to inaugurate Punjab government's Armed Forces Preparatory Academy for Girls.

"We have also decided to boycott the function of the Punjab government because we do not wish to be part of any function which has the government backing till the issue of OROP is resolved," Lt Col SS Sohi (retd), President of Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell was quoted as saying in an Indian Express report.

As per an ANI report, "the Defence Minister is likely to meet ex-Army personnel today to discuss the issue. Manohar Parrikar is expected to meet the protesters before his schedule visit to Mohali on July 12."

Seeking immediate implementation of OROP, ex-servicemen are holding protest rallies every where in the country. The BJP in its election manifesto too, had promised implementation of OROP after coming to power.

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