Raja Warring visits Agniveer Akashdeep’s family, demands martyr status

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring visited Agniveer Akashdeep Singh’s home in Kothe Chahal village, who recently died while on duty in Jammu. During his visit, he extended condolences to the grieving family and arranged a direct phone call with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who expressed deep sorrow and assured the family of full support from the party.

Warring, who was in Faridkot to attend the Congress-led “Save Constitution Yatra,” criticised both the Punjab and Central Governments for failing to provide even basic honours to the fallen Agniveer. He stated that neither a government official nor an ambulance was sent, and the family had to bring Akashdeep’s body home themselves. He was especially disappointed that no representative, not even the DC or SSP, had visited the family to pay respects. Warring said he even had to personally call the SSP to express concern.

Strongly opposing the Agniveer scheme, Warring stated that this treatment exposes its failures. He said Akashdeep should be honoured as a martyr, and both state and Central Governments must offer financial support to the family. Taking aim at the Punjab Government, he questioned why promises of compensating martyrs’ families with Rs 1 crore had not been upheld in Akashdeep’s case.

He said he would raise the issue in Parliament and write to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also expressing his willingness to arrange a meeting between Akashdeep’s parents and the Chief Minister, if the family agrees. “Governments should have come on their own. Now, we will force them to act,” he said.

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.