Chandigarh: Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, Monday presented a check of one crore rupees to the family of Amritpal Singh, the nation's first Agniveer 'martyr'  in their ancestral village of Kotli Kalan.

The Chief Minister seized the opportunity to criticize the central government for its failure to acknowledge Amritpal Singh's  'sacrifice' for the nation.

Mann said  the entire state of Punjab stands in solidarity with Amritpal Singh, paying tribute to his sacrifice to the nation as he died at a very young age of 19 year.

Mann said the government would honour every Shahid, whether he is  a  Agniveer or orher soldier  who sacrifices  for the nation. Sacrifice is a sacrifice whether done by Agniveer or other, he asserted without referring to what Indian army said about his death. 

Mann  assured the public that the Punjab government is committed to addressing the demands put forward by the village and panchayat.

Moreover, as a mark of their dedication, the Punjab government pledged to provide a government job to a member of the martyr's family.

Amritpal's father, who was in tears said they had sent their son in the Indian army to serve the nation. They are not aware whether or not  the government would acknowledge his sacrifice to the nation.   

On the other hand,  Indian army spokesperson clarfied that Unfortunate Death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh on 11 Oct 2023 concerned them. 

There has been some misunderstanding and misrepresentation of facts related to unfortunate death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh. 

Further to the initial information given out by White Knight Corps on 14 Oct 2023, following additional details are shared to clear the perspective.

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.

In consonance with the existing practice, the mortal remains, after conduct of medico - legal procedures, were transported under Army arrangements alongwith an escort party to the native place for the 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. 

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.

Such cases, however, are not entitled 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.

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 Military Funeral in such cases was not accorded, army said. 

The disbursement of financial assistance / relief, as per entitlement, is given due priority including immediate financial relief for conduct of funerals, said Army spokesperson.

Such unfortunate instances of loss bear heavy on the family and the Forces as a fraternity.

During such times, it is important and incumbent on the society to uphold the respect, privacy and dignity of the family while empathising with them in their moment of grief, army explained expressing solidarity with Amritpal's family.

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.

Mann however   reiterated  the AAP Government's commitment to supporting the family in any way possible in the coming times, ensuring that the memory of the brave Amritpal Singh remains honored and revered.