Agniveer Dies From 'Self-Inflicted' Gunshot In J-K's Poonch, Army Says Court Of Inquiry Ordered

Due to the nature of the soldier's death, classified as self-inflicted, the policy dictated that no guard of honour or military funeral would be accorded.

An Agniveer soldier, Sepoy Amritpal Singh, on October 11 succumbed to a gunshot wound along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir while on sentry duty in the Mankote area near the LoC. The Indian Army issued a statement regarding this incident, shedding more light on the situation. According to the statement, Sepoy Amritpal Singh suffered a self-inflicted gunshot injury while on sentry duty in the Rajouri Sector. A Court of Inquiry has been set in motion to ascertain further details, it stated.

The mortal remains of the deceased soldier were transported, accompanied by one Junior Commissioned Officer and four Other Ranks. The Agniveer unit organised the transport using a Civil Ambulance, with Army personnel attending the final rites.

"The cause of death being a self inflicted injury, no guard of honour or military funeral was provided, in accordance with the existing policy," the Army stated, extending its condolences to the grieving family.

Officials cited by news agency IANS reported that the soldier tragically passed away at the scene. Local authorities initiated an investigation into the incident, including the necessary medico-legal formalities, to determine whether the soldier's death resulted from suicide or other circumstances.

In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid his respects to Sepoy Amritpal Singh. Bhagwant Mann's statement, delivered in Punjabi, recognised the young soldier's immense sacrifice for the nation.

"Life in service country is very difficult... I sincerely salute the martyrdom of Shaheed Amritpal Singh, a resident of Kotli Kalan of Mansa district... This martyrdom given for the country at the age of 19 will be remembered forever... Heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones at this difficult time... The family of Shaheed Amritpal Singh will be provided all possible assistance by the government... Jai Jawan," he wrote on X.

According to a report by The Tribune, The solemn arrival of the 19-year-old's body in his village stirred a somber atmosphere, with his sisters bearing his mortal remains on their shoulders. District administration personnel conducted official ceremonies during his cremation, it stated.

Amritpal Singh, the sole son of his parents, had joined the Army as an Agniveer in December last year, his father said, as per the Tribune. He left for duty a month ago after briefly returning home, the report mentioned.