Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, former servicemen from Jammu and Kashmir have made an unprecedented offer to rejoin the armed forces. In a letter to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Northern Army Commander, they have expressed their willingness to return to military service and stand ready to defend the nation in its time of need.
“This is not just an emotional gesture; it is a call to duty,” said Colonel (Retd) Rajinder Singh, a decorated war veteran and one of the signatories of the letter. “We may have retired, but our loyalty and commitment to India remain as strong as ever.”
The move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with daily ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and a renewed threat of cross-border terrorism. The willingness of these retired soldiers to rejoin the forces has been viewed as a morale booster, highlighting the unwavering spirit of India’s armed forces.
The Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Services League, which represents over one lakh former Army personnel from across the region, has a storied history, with many members having served in major conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and overseas operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
“One of our veterans, who served in the Kargil War, said, ‘Our blood still runs olive green. We have the experience and the will. If our service can help the country during this difficult time, we are ready,’” said an Ex-Services League spokesperson.
Another jawan said that, who served in the Kargil War that our blood still runs olive green. We have the experience and the will. If our service can help the country during this difficult time, we are ready.”
In their letter, the veterans offered to join under voluntary service and expressed confidence that their experience, discipline, and sense of duty would contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.
Subedar (Retd) Sushil Sharma said they have been trained to serve and protect. At a time when civilians are being targeted and our borders are under constant threat, we feel it is our moral responsibility to step up,” he said.
Sharma said they have acknowledged by officials in the Raj Bhavan, though no formal response has yet been issued by the Army or the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
“We fought for this country before, and we will do it again if needed. Terrorists who think they can shake our unity by attacking innocent civilians should know that the soldiers of this land never give up, even in retirement,” he added.
