Faridkot, Punjab –A mother holds her son’s ashes close to her chest, refusing to let go. A father waits at the village gate every day, hoping the government will acknowledge what the whole village already knows — that his son died a martyr.
Agniveer Akashdeep Singh, a 22-year-old from Bargari village in Faridkot, was laid to rest with military protocol but without the status of a martyr. Enrolled under the controversial Agnipath Scheme, Akashdeep was shot during duty in Jammu on May 14, 2025. His family, however, refuses to perform the last rites until he is officially recognized as a martyr.
“My son served the country with pride. He died in uniform. If he is not a martyr, then who is?” says Akashdeep’s grieving father, holding back tears.
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Faridkot, Punjab – May 26, 2025
A mother holds her son’s ashes close to her chest, refusing to let go. A father waits at the village gate every day, hoping the government will acknowledge what the whole village already knows — that his son died a martyr.
Agniveer Akashdeep Singh, a 22-year-old from Bargari village in Faridkot, was laid to rest with military protocol but without the status of a martyr. Enrolled under the controversial Agnipath Scheme, Akashdeep was shot during duty in Jammu on May 14, 2025. His family, however, refuses to perform the last rites until he is officially recognized as a martyr.
“My son served the country with pride. He died in uniform. If he is not a martyr, then who is?” says Akashdeep’s grieving father, holding back tears.
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Speaker of Punjab Assembly Raises Voice
In an emotional tribute at Akashdeep’s bhog ceremony, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan demanded that the government honor Akashdeep as a martyr. He promised to press the state and central government for immediate recognition and support for the family.
“This is not just one boy’s story. This is the soul of Punjab. We won’t let it be ignored,” Sandhwan said, addressing hundreds gathered in Bargari.
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The Controversy Around Agnipath
Akashdeep was serving under the Agnipath Scheme, a short-term military recruitment initiative that does not provide lifetime benefits or martyr status for soldiers who die in service unless in specific combat roles. This has sparked public outrage in Punjab, where military service is a source of great pride and honor.
- The family has received no compensation.
- Ashes remain unimmersed in protest.
- Local youth groups have launched campaigns urging youth to boycott Agnipath recruitment rallies.
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Rahul Gandhi Steps In
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Akashdeep’s father on May 22, offering condolences and support. He assured the family that the party would raise the issue nationally.
“We salute your son. We stand with you in demanding his rightful place in the history of this nation,” Rahul reportedly said.
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Larger Message to India
The case has opened a larger national conversation about:
- The dignity of military service under Agnipath
- The difference in honors given to Agniveers and regular soldiers
- The need for a unified national policy on military martyrdom
Punjab, known as the land of warriors, is now asking one question:
“If our sons die in uniform, how can their sacrifice be incomplete?”
Speaker of Punjab Assembly Raises Voice
In an emotional tribute at Akashdeep’s bhog ceremony, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan demanded that the government honor Akashdeep as a martyr. He promised to press the state and central government for immediate recognition and support for the family.
“This is not just one boy’s story. This is the soul of Punjab. We won’t let it be ignored,” Sandhwan said, addressing hundreds gathered in Bargari.
⚔️
The Controversy Around Agnipath
Akashdeep was serving under the Agnipath Scheme, a short-term military recruitment initiative that does not provide lifetime benefits or martyr status for soldiers who die in service unless in specific combat roles. This has sparked public outrage in Punjab, where military service is a source of great pride and honor.
- The family has received no compensation.
- Ashes remain unimmersed in protest.
- Local youth groups have launched campaigns urging youth to boycott Agnipath recruitment rallies.
🇮🇳
Rahul Gandhi Steps In
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Akashdeep’s father on May 22, offering condolences and support. He assured the family that the party would raise the issue nationally.
“We salute your son. We stand with you in demanding his rightful place in the history of this nation,” Rahul reportedly said.
📊
Larger Message to India
The case has opened a larger national conversation about:
- The dignity of military service under Agnipath
- The difference in honors given to Agniveers and regular soldiers
- The need for a unified national policy on military martyrdom
Punjab, known as the land of warriors, is now asking one question:
“If our sons die in uniform, how can their sacrifice be incomplete?”