Agniveer Amritpal Singh's Death Amid Controversy: Indian Army Says He "Died by Suicide"

The Indian Army on Sunday made it clear that Amritpal Singh died by suicide and that such fatalities are not entitled to military funerals as per the current Army Order of 1967, which is in style, amid a controversy over not providing a guard of honour to a deceased Agniveer recruit.

Amritpal Singh, a soldier of a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in the Poonch sector of the Army, shot himself on October 11 while doing sentry duty. He was buried on Friday at his hometown village in the Mansa region of Punjab.
 

The unfortunate death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh has been the subject of some "misunderstanding and misrepresentation," according to a statement from the Indian army. "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 statement continued.

Following the completion of medico-legal proceedings, the soldier's dead remains were conveyed via Army arrangements together with an escort party to his hometown for last rites in accordance with accepted practise.
 

"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 continued.

The Indian Army further emphasised that, regardless of the type of entry, unfortunate cases of death resulting from suicide or self-inflicted injury are accorded due respect by the Armed Forces along with profound and enduring empathy with the family. According to the current Army Order of 1967, which is in style, such situations are not entitled to military funerals.
 

According to the data, since 2001, there have been an average of 100 to 140 troops lost each year as a result of suicides or other self-inflicted injuries. In these cases, military funerals were not provided. According to the statement, "the provision of financial assistance/relief, where applicable, is given proper priority, including emergency financial relief for the performance of funerals.

Such tragic occurrences of loss have a significant impact on the family and the Forces as a whole. The Indian Army noted that during such times, it is crucial and incumbent on society to protect the respect, privacy, and dignity of the family while also feeling compassion for them during their time of mourning.
 

The Armed Forces have a reputation for upholding the rules and procedures, and they will keep doing so going forward. The Indian Army follows its set norms when requesting assistance from all facets of society.