'Died by Suicide': Indian Army on Agniveer Amritpal Singh's Death Amid Controversy

Amid a row over not giving a guard of honour to a deceased Agniveer recruit, the Indian Army on Sunday clarified that Amritpal Singh died by suicide and such deaths are not entitled to military funerals as per the extant Army Order of 1967, in vogue.

Amritpal Singh, who was serving with a battalion of the Army’s Jammu and Kashmir Rifles unit in the Poonch sector, shot himself while on sentry duty on October 11 and was cremated on Friday at his native village in Punjab’s Mansa district.

“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,” a statement by the Indian army said, adding that there has been some “misunderstanding and misrepresentation” of facts related to the unfortunate death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh.

In consonance with the existing practice, the soldier’s mortal remains, after the conduct of medico-legal procedures, were transported under Army arrangements along with an escort party to his native place for last rites.

“Armed Forces do not differentiate between the soldiers who joined prior to or after implementation of the Agnipath Scheme as regards entitled benefits and protocols,” the statement added.

The Indian Army further stressed that unfortunate instances of death arising out of suicide or self-inflicted injury, irrespective of the type of entry, are accorded due respect by the Armed Forces along with deep and enduring empathy with the family. Such cases, however, are not entitled to military funerals as per the extant Army Order of 1967, in vogue.

“According to the data held, there has been an average yearly loss ranging between 100 – 140 soldiers since 2001 where deaths occurred due to suicides/ self-inflicted injuries, and Military Funeral in such cases was not accorded. The disbursement of financial assistance/relief, as per entitlement, is given due priority including immediate financial relief for the conduct of funerals,” the statement further said.

Such unfortunate instances of loss bear heavily on the family and the Forces as a fraternity. During such times, it is important and incumbent on society to uphold the respect, privacy and dignity of the family while empathising with them in their moment of grief, the Indian Army stated.

Armed Forces are known for adherence to the policies and protocols and will continue to do so as hithertofore. The Indian Army requests support from all sections of the society while it follows its established protocols.