President of the Punjab Congress Amarinder Singh Raja Warring visited the residence of Agniveer Akashdeep Singh in Kothe Chahal village, who recently died while on duty in Jammu. During the visit, Warring extended his condolences to the grieving family and facilitated a direct phone call with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who expressed deep sorrow and assured the family of full support from the party.
Warring was in Faridkot to attend the Congress-led “Save Constitution Yatra.” The state Congress president criticised both the Punjab and Central Governments for its failure to provide even basic honours to the fallen Agniveer. He highlighted that no government official or ambulance was sent, forcing the family to bring Akashdeep’s body home on their own. Expressing disappointment, Warring noted that neither the Deputy Commissioner (DC) nor the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) had visited the family to pay their respects. He further revealed that he had to personally contact the SSP to raise concerns over the matter.
He strongly opposed the Agniveer scheme and added that the mistreatment of Akashdeep Singh highlights its failures. He insisted that Akashdeep should be honoured as a martyr, with both the state and Central Governments providing financial assistance to the family. Criticising the Punjab Government, he questioned why the promised compensation of Rs 1 crore to martyrs’ families had not been delivered in Akashdeep’s case.
Warring added that he plans to raise the issue in Parliament and write to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He also expressed his readiness to arrange a meeting between Akashdeep’s parents and the Chief Minister, if the family consents. “The governments should have come on their own. Now, we will force them to act,” he stated.
Parents refuse to immerse their son's ashes until martyr status given
Akashdeep’s parents shared their grief and thanked Rahul Gandhi but expressed anger over the absence of local officials. They declared they would not immerse their son's ashes until he is officially recognised as a martyr.
A few days after the tragic death of 20-year-old Agniveer Akashdeep Singh, a deep sense of grief and unresolved anguish continues to resonate in Kothe Chahal village, Faridkot district, Punjab. Akashdeep’s mother, Karamjit Kaur, remains steadfast in her demand that her son be officially recognised as a martyr before she can perform his last rites. “He wore the Indian Army uniform and sacrificed his life for the nation. His bravery deserves the same honor as any soldier,” she said, her resolve undiminished even days after the loss.
Agniveers, young recruits enrolled under the Agnipath scheme launched in 2022, serve a short four-year term with the aim of modernizing the armed forces while reducing long-term pension liabilities. However, the status and benefits for those who die in service remain unclear. Unlike regular soldiers, fallen Agniveers have not yet been uniformly granted martyr status, fueling ongoing debates and protests.
Akashdeep’s death has renewed urgent calls across political and social circles for clearer policies and equal recognition of Agniveers’ sacrifices. His mother’s refusal to immerse his ashes highlights the continuing struggle for justice and dignity. As discussions intensify today, the demand for proper honor and support for Agniveers who lay down their lives remains as relevant as ever.
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