SRINAGAR: An Agniveer lost his life in the line of duty in Siachen, reported Army’s Leh-headquartered Fire and Fury Corps on Sunday. Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and the entire force expressed their condolences for the demise of Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, who hailed from Maharashtra, The Tribune reported.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as per The Tribune sparked a political controversy regarding the incident, alleging that the Agniveer scheme was designed to demean national heroes. “The news of the martyrdom of Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman in Siachen is very saddening. A young man laid down his life for the country, yet there were no gratuities or military facilities during his service, and no pension for his family in case of martyrdom. Agniveer appears to be a plan to insult India’s heroes,” Gandhi posted on X.
In response, BJP leaders, including the party’s IT cell chief, criticised Rahul’s tweet as irresponsible. They said, “Rahul’s tweet is absolute rubbish and irresponsibility. Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman has laid down his life in the line of duty, entitling his next of kin to receive a non-contributory insurance of Rs 48 lakh, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 44 lakh, Seva Nidhi contributions from Agniveer (30 percent) along with matching government contributions and accrued interest. Additionally, the next of kin will receive pay for the remaining duration from the date of death up to four years.”
