Srinagar: The parents of Nikhil Dhadwal, a young Agniveer soldier who recently died under mysterious circumstances in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, have called on Indian President Droupadi Murmu to launch a full investigation into their son’s death.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Daler Singh, Nikhil’s father, expressed his family’s deep anguish and confusion over the conflicting reports about his son’s final moments. The family was initially informed that Nikhil was injured, only to be later told of his death. “We were told he was injured, and then we were told he was dead. We want to know what happened to our son,” Singh said, revealing the family’s suspicion of foul play or negligence related to Nikhil’s death.
The Dhadwal family is adamant that the circumstances of Nikhil’s death be thoroughly examined to determine if there was any wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the army or his colleagues. They insist that understanding what happened could prevent future tragedies involving other soldiers.
As the community mourns, the incident highlights broader concerns regarding the safety and accountability of military personnel, particularly among the ranks of the newly introduced Agniveer soldiers. Despite receiving a hero’s funeral in his hometown in Himachal Pradesh, the official explanation for Nikhil’s death remains vague, with initial reports indicating he sustained serious injuries while stationed in the Tanda area of Akhnoor, Jammu.
The call for justice by Nikhil’s family has garnered significant attention, resonating with many who demand transparency and accountability from military operations. The government has not yet responded to the family’s plea for an inquiry.