Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon, and former MLA Kushaldeep Singh ‘Kikki’ Dhillon attended the antim ardaas (last prayer ceremony) of Agniveer Akashdeep Singh at Kothe Chahal village near Kotkapura in Faridkot district.
People and leaders present at the ceremony demanded that Akashdeep be declared a martyr.
Akashdeep, a 22-year-old Agniveer, died after being shot while on duty in Jammu and Kashmir on May 14. He had joined the Army under the Agnipath scheme around 21 months ago. This scheme allows youth to serve in the Army for four years, and such soldiers are called Agniveers.
His family has refused to perform the final rites and immerse his ashes until the Central Government officially declares him a martyr.
Speaker Sandhwan called Akashdeep “a son of the nation” and said the state government is in contact with Army officials to ensure he gets proper recognition. He said a positive result is expected soon.
“This is a sad moment for not just the family, but for all of us. Akashdeep’s sacrifice shows the bravery of our youth,” said Sandhwan. He also criticised the Agnipath scheme and said it should be cancelled.
Earlier, several leaders, including Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, had visited the family. Warring also helped the family speak to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to raise their concerns.
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