Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman — deployed at the Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield — has become the first Agniveer to be killed in the line of duty since the Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of soldiers was introduced.
“Quartered in snow silent to remain, when the bugle calls they shall rise and march again. All ranks of Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of Siachen and offer deepest condolences to the family,” the Army’s Leh-based 14 Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
The report of his death led to sharp criticism on social media from the veterans community, who pointed out the disparity between Agniveers and regular soldiers, whose families are entitled to pensions and other benefits if they die while on duty.
