Army chief says martyr families our responsibility, Barmer family says no one looks after them

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that martyrs’ families are “their responsibility” and the army and government will take care of them. However, the martyr’s family refuted the claim and said that they are a neglected lot.

Rawat was addressing a public meeting after unveiling the memorial of martyr Dharma Ram at his native village, Taratara, in Barmer district. Ram’s family members said that these ceremonies are merely photo opportunity for others.

Dharma Ram laid down his life in the line of duty while fighting militants in Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir on May 25, 2015. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

The memorial has been constructed by the residents of the village.

After reaching the village, Rawat unveiled the statue and paid tribute to Ram. Rawat said that martyr Dharma Ram fought till his last breathe adding that the army and government will take care of the martyr’s families.

Dharam Ram’s wife, Timo Devi, however, alleged that after her husband’s martyrdom she has received several assurances for help from leaders and the government. Nothing has happened so far.

“Till date, we are deprived of basic facilities,” she said. Timo Devi said that there is no road connectivity to her village for which she has repeatedly requested the leaders. She added that they are forced to buy water as there is a shortage of drinking water.

Timo Devi said that she was also assured a job. She said that she has a B.Ed degree but no job.

She said that she has recently appeared for a competition exam and hopes to land a job on her merit so that she can ensure her family’s survival.

Rawat claimed that the martyr's family has received all due benefits. ​

Martyr Dharma Ram is survived by his 75-year-old mother, wife and two children Rajeswari (5) and Harish (2).

Apart from Rawat, Lieutenant General Dewan Rabindranath Soni, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command and Lieutenant General RK Jagga, General Officer Commanding, Konark Corps also attended the unveiling of the memorial.

Rawat, who is on a two-day visit to Barmer, will also oversee the army’s preparedness while attending an ongoing military exercise ‘Hamesha Vijayee’ on Friday.