Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said defence personnel issues including pension, ex-gratia compensation and One Rank One Pension are receiving highest priority of the Government. In his customary broadcast on All India Radio on the eve of Independence Day, the Defence Minister said, it has been his constant endeavour to work towards the welfare and well-being of serving and Ex-Servicemen. <br/><br/>Expressing concern over the huge number of cases on service matters pending in different courts and Armed Forces Tribunals, Mr Parrikar said, the Ministry has recently formed a high level panel to suggest steps to minimize number of service related cases in the courts. He complimented Armed Forces for repulsing ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kasmir from across the border and infiltration attempts by terrorists. He also compliments Special Forces for the successful operations along Indo-Myanmar border. The Defence Minister called upon the Armed Forces personnel to take a pledge on the Festival of Freedom to defend and serve the country.