The biggest problem is the soldier’s helplessness in resolving property disputes back at home that makes a soldier feel tense and helpless. There are several instances of neighbours or even own brothers making use of soldier’s long absence from home to encroach on his property. The exigencies of service prevent the soldier from being able to pursue the case. This problem had been identified several years ago, but little has been done except for every defence minister writing routine letters to chief ministers requesting sympathetic disposal of land disputes involving soldiers. It is almost a joke in the ministry that every defence minister’s first action after taking charge is to write to chief ministers to help expedite soldiers land disputes. And it ends there. The stress-related issues in a soldier’s life are closely linked with welfare and need to be addressed most sincerely by all agencies concerned with the welfare of soldiers.
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