OROP: Ex-serviceman on fast-unto-death taken to hospital after health deteriorates

Col. Pushpender Singh (retd), one of the three ex-servicemen on a fast-unto-death in New Delhi over the One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue, was on Monday rushed to the hospital after his health deteriorated on the eighth day of the indefinite fast.

United Ex-Servicemen Front spokesman Col. Anil Kaul (retd) told IANS that the armed force veteran was taken to Rockland hospital in south Delhi. 

"I will come back and continue my fast. I am not ready to go but the people here want me to to as they say high ketone level will affect brain functioning," Col Pushpender told PTI adding that the government should implement OROP immediately so that the veterans on hunger strike can end their protest.

Col. Pushpendra Singh, one of the 3 veterans on fast unto death for #OROP shifted to hospital as health deteriorates. pic.twitter.com/xcsexT5wzb

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 24, 2015

Retired Havildar Tej Singh replaced Col. Pushpender Singh. The health of the other two veterans, Major Singh and Ashok Kumar Chauhan, both retired havildars, is fine, Col. Kaul added.

With inputs from IANS

Also read: Explainer: What is 'One Rank, One Pension' scheme and the controversy surrounding it?