• By Vivek Raj
  • Sun, 15 Oct 2023 07:47 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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A recent recruit Agniveer, Amritpal Singh from Mansa, Punjab, who commenced active duty just a month ago died in Jammu and Kashmir on October 11. His final rites took place in his village, Kotli Kalan, on Friday.

Amritpal Singh, aged 19, was serving with a battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in the Poonch sector. Agniveer Amritpal Singh died while on sentry duty in Rajouri Sector, due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. This is the first death of an Agniveer soldier from Punjab.

Amritpal's remains were cremated in his village. Police contingent provided a guard of honor to his mortal remains.

Gurdeep Singh, the father of the fallen soldier, mentioned that he had a conversation with his son earlier on the day of his death, and his son appeared to be in high spirits.

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“He told me he had taken leave from Oct 24 onwards to attend my niece’s wedding, and he was looking forward to the event. He had visited the village in September after completing his training at the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles training center in Jabalpur and left on September 20 to join his unit in Poonch. We are unaware of the circumstances of his death and are seeking a thorough investigation,” said Gurdeep Singh as reported by Indian Express.

“I saw my son’s body, and there was a gunshot injury on his left temple above the ear.” he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences for the loss of Agniveer Amritpal Singh and described it as an irreplaceable loss for the nation and the soldier's family. The Chief Minister assured that financial assistance would be provided to the family in line with the state government's policy.

Why Agniveer Amritpal Singh was not provided a Military funeral?

After the last rites of Amritpal Singh, his father said that an Army Havildar along with two jawans had accompanied his son's body to the village, but there was no military contingent present for a guard of honor.

Congress also posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The sad thing is that Amritpal ji, who was martyred for the country, was not even given a final farewell with military honours. His mortal remains were brought by an army constable and two soldiers. Apart from this, no army unit even came.”

 

The Indian Army then issued a statement on Saturday, which stated “Mortal remains of the deceased, accompanied by one Junior Commissioned Officer and four Other Ranks, were transported in a Civil Ambulance hired by the Unit of the Agniveer. Accompanying Army personnel also attended the last rites. The cause of death was a self-inflicted injury, no guard of honour or military funeral was provided, in accordance with the existing policy,” Indian Army said in a statement.

 

Who are Agniveers and What is the Agneepath Scheme?

The "Agnipath" scheme is designed to enroll selected candidates as "Agniveers" for a four-year period. After four years of service, 25% of the Agniveers will have the option to continue in the regular cadre based on their merit, willingness, and medical fitness.

Those who choose to stay will serve an additional 15-year term. The remaining 75% of Agniveers will receive an exit package, known as "Seva Nidhi," which includes approximately Rs 11-12 lakh. This package is partly funded by their monthly contributions. They will also receive skill certificates and have access to bank loans to assist them in transitioning to their second careers.