Punjab: Indian Army clarifies suicide incident of Agniveer Amritpal Singh and funeral honours
New Delhi, October 16: The Indian Army has provided clarification regarding the unfortunate suicide of Agniveer Amritpal Singh, stating that he took his own life while on sentry duty. The Army also emphasised that military honours were not extended to his funeral in accordance with established rules, as self-inflicted injuries do not typically receive such honours.
On Sunday, the Army explicitly stated that it does not discriminate among its soldiers based on whether they joined the force before or after the implementation of the Agnipath scheme. There were allegations that the absence of military honors at Singh's funeral was linked to his affiliation with the Agniveer organisation.
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The White Knight Corps, headquartered in Nagrota, provided further details on Saturday, explaining that Singh passed away while on sentry duty in the Rajouri sector due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a statement released on Sunday night, the Army addressed the "misunderstanding and misrepresentation" of facts concerning Singh's tragic death.
"It is a grave loss to the family and the Indian Army that Agniveer Amritpal Singh committed suicide by shooting himself while on sentry duty," the Army acknowledged.
The statement clarified that, following the necessary medico-legal procedures, Singh's remains were transported to his hometown under Army arrangements, accompanied by an escort party for the last rites.
The Army further reiterated its policy of not distinguishing between soldiers who enlisted before or after the implementation of the Agnipath scheme in terms of entitled benefits and protocols. It emphasised that unfortunate incidents involving suicide or self-inflicted injuries are treated with respect by the Armed Forces, with a deep and lasting sense of empathy for the grieving families.
However, the statement clarified that military funerals are not granted in cases of suicide or self-inflicted injuries, as per the Army Order of 1967, a policy consistently upheld without discrimination since its inception.
The Army also noted that an average of 100-140 soldiers have been lost annually due to suicide or self-inflicted injuries since 2001, and military funerals were not provided in such cases. The Army underlined its commitment to disbursing financial assistance and relief according to entitlement, including immediate financial relief for funeral expenses. It acknowledged the heavy burden these losses place on both the families and the Armed Forces as a community.
The Army emphasised the importance of upholding the respect, privacy, and dignity of the grieving families while empathising with them during these difficult times. It further called for the support of all sections of society as it adheres to established protocols and policies.
"Armed Forces are known for adherence to the policies and protocols and will continue to do so as hithertofore. The Indian Army requests support of all sections of the society while it follows its established protocols," the statement concluded.
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- With inputs from agencies
