Whether a soldier joined the army before or after the Agnipath scheme was implemented, makes no difference in terms of conduct, said the Army.
Digital Desk: The Indian Army stated on Sunday that Agniveer Amritpal Singh shot himself to death while doing sentry duty and that military honours were not granted to his funeral because deaths caused by self-inflicted wounds are not given such honours.
Whether a soldier joined the army before or after the Agnipath scheme was implemented, makes no difference in terms of conduct, said the Army.
According to some claims, Singh was an Agniveer soldier, hence his funeral did not get military rites.
Singh died after a self-inflicted gunshot wound while performing sentry duty in the Rajouri sector, according to a statement made on Saturday by the Army's White Knight Corps, which is based in Nagrota.
The Army said that some "misunderstanding and misrepresentation" of the events surrounding Singh's tragic death had taken place in a statement late on Sunday night.
"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," according to the Army.
"In consonance with the existing practice, the mortal remains, after the conduct of medico-legal procedures, were transported under Army arrangements along with an escort party to his native place for the last rites," added the statement.
According to the Army, in terms of eligibility for benefits and protocols, the Armed Forces do not distinguish between soldiers who enlisted before or after the implementation of the Agnipath system.
"Unfortunate instances of death arising out of suicide/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," stated the statement.
"Such cases, however, are not entitled to military funerals as per the extant Army Order of 1967, in vogue. Policy on the subject has been consistently followed ever since, without any discrimination," it said.
"As per 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 a military funeral in such cases was not accorded," according to the Army.
According to the statement, the immediate financial help needed to organise funerals is given priority over other forms of financial support and relief.
"Such tragic occurrences of loss weigh heavily on the family and the Forces as a fraternity. In these circumstances, it is crucial and expected of society to protect the family's respect, privacy, and dignity while sharing their sorrow, " the Army said.
"The Armed Forces are known for adhering to the rules and procedures, and they will do so going forward. As it follows its established procedures, the Indian Army requests the assistance of all societal groups," according to the statement.
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