Martyr's family calls off fast, to get Rs 71 lakh as compensation

Sher Nagar: The family of slain Indian Army Lance Naik on Monday broke its four-day-long fast after a visit by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who promised all help to them and even announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh.

Akhilesh, who along with a few other senior ministers visited the family after the BJP delegation, said that his government will provide all necessary help to Hemraj's family. "There is nothing political about this visit. It's our duty to respect and honour our martyrs. No compensation is enough but it's the duty of government to support the family," said Akhilesh.

The decision of the martyr's family ended the fast after Army Chief General Bikram Singh promised to visit the family while the Central government and the army announced a compensation of Rs 46 lakh, which does not include the compensation announced by the state government.

While the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh, the Centre decided to give the family Rs 46 lakh.

Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, the fast by the family of the martyr saw politics taking centrestage, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Opposition leaders Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh meeting them. That was followed by the visit of Minister of State Defence, Jitender Singh.

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