Poonch, September 24, 2025 – In a stirring tribute to the guardians of the nation, the Indian Army’s Romeo Force organized a vibrant Veterans Rally in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, uniting hundreds of ex-servicemen, war widows, and revered “Veer Naris” – the brave women who lost their soldier husbands. Held in the rugged, strategically critical border region, the rally served as a powerful platform for these heroes to share their stories, voice their concerns, and receive dedicated support from Army officers, reinforcing the unbreakable bond between the force and its veterans.The event, orchestrated by the 49 Rashtriya Rifles under the Romeo Force, unfolded against the backdrop of Mendhar’s rolling hills, beginning with a ceremonial march from the local Army base to a community ground adorned with tributes to fallen soldiers. Over 250 participants, including veterans of conflicts from the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War to more recent operations, joined war widows and Veer Naris in a display of unity and pride. The rally, part of the Army’s ongoing “Veterans Connect” initiative, aimed to honor past service while addressing critical issues like pensions, healthcare access, and rehabilitation in this remote frontier.
Key Highlights of the Veterans Rally
- Unified March of Valor: The rally featured a moving procession, with veterans and families carrying banners proclaiming “Pride of Poonch” and “Service Beyond the Uniform.” Local youth and schoolchildren lined the route, waving flags and offering heartfelt gestures of respect, amplifying the event’s emotional resonance.
- Listening to the Heroes: Senior officers, led by the Romeo Force Commander, held open grievance redressal sessions, addressing concerns ranging from delayed pension disbursals to medical facility access. Over 60 cases were resolved on the spot, with complex issues escalated to higher authorities for prompt action.
- Empowering the Community: The Army distributed essential supplies, including blankets and mobility aids, while medical teams conducted free health screenings for veterans and dependents. Skill-building workshops for Veer Naris and their families focused on financial literacy and local entrepreneurship, fostering self-reliance.
Addressing the gathering, the Romeo Force Commander [name withheld for security] declared, “Our veterans and Veer Naris are the soul of our nation’s defense. This rally is not just a tribute but a commitment to stand by them, ensuring their voices are heard and their sacrifices honored.” Veteran Havildar (Retd.) Baldev Singh, a 1971 war hero, shared, “Seeing the Army care for us in Mendhar feels like our service still matters – it’s a moment of pride.”
Broader Context: Romeo Force’s Role in Poonch
Stationed in the volatile Pir Panjal region, the Romeo Force has been a cornerstone of counter-insurgency and community outreach, balancing security operations with initiatives like youth sports leagues and porter recruitment drives in Mendhar. The rally builds on the legacy of the 77th Poonch Link-Up Day celebrations in 2024, which saw thousands honor the 1948 liberation of Poonch. Amid ongoing ceasefire vigilance along the Line of Control, such events highlight the Army’s dual mission of safeguarding borders and nurturing community ties in Jammu and Kashmir.The rally sparked a wave of admiration online, with images of veterans marching alongside Veer Naris trending under hashtags like #PoonchVeteransRally and #HonoringOurHeroes. As Poonch continues to navigate its complex socio-security landscape, the Romeo Force’s outreach reaffirms its pledge to those who served, ensuring their legacy endures in the heart of this borderland.
