Kargil War hero attacks Himachal govt for holding back funds for families of martyrs, calls it ‘grave injustice’

MANDI: A controversy is brewing in Himachal Pradesh as Brigadier Khushal Thakur (Retd), a decorated war hero who led the 18 Grenadiers in the historic battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill during the Kargil War, has brought to light a troubling delay in the release of welfare funds meant for battle casualty soldiers and their families.

Despite receiving administrative approval and expenditure sanctions from the Himachal Pradesh government between November 2024 and March 2025, several sanctioned payments are reportedly stuck in the state treasury due to non-availability of funds or delays in fund allocation, raising serious concerns among the ex-servicemen community and veterans’ welfare organisations.

Sanctioned payments yet to reach beneficiaries

Brigadier Khushal claimed the delayed disbursements included Rs 2 crore for gallantry and distinguished service awardees, Rs 2.5 crore in ex gratia payments to the next of kin of soldiers who laid down their lives in battle or died in service-related physical casualties, Rs 1 crore allocated for organising Army recruitment rallies and Rs 16 lakh towards ongoing welfare schemes for the ex-servicemen.

All these allocations had been formally approved, yet funds remain unreleased, reportedly held up in state treasury offices, claimed Brigadier Khushal.

Not Just Payments—They Are Commitments of a Grateful Nation”

Calling the delay a matter of “grave injustice”, Brigadier Khushal emphasised that Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as ‘Veer Bhumi’ (Land of the Brave), must live up to its legacy not only through words but tangible actions that uphold the honour of its soldiers and their families.

“These are not just payments, but commitments of a grateful nation. Delays, especially after official sanction, send a disheartening message to our serving and retired personnel,” he said, appealing to the government for urgent redressal.

Veterans demand immediate action

Numerous ex-servicemen organisations and military welfare bodies across the state have joined in voicing their concern. They are urging the Finance Department of Himachal Pradesh to prioritise the clearance of these payments, especially in light of the emotional and financial impact on bereaved families.

According to sources in the veterans’ community, some of the affected families have been waiting for over four to five months, despite having submitted all required documentation and having received prior confirmation of fund allocation.

Himachal’s proud contribution to the armed forces

Himachal Pradesh contributes significantly to the Indian Armed Forces, with thousands of men serving across all three services. The state has produced numerous war heroes and gallantry award winners, including recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra.

“In a state that has given so many sons to the nation, this kind of delay not only hurts morale but also undermines public trust in the systems designed to support those who protect us,” said a senior member of the Himachal Ex-Servicemen League.

Munish Sood