Modi, Nitish Skip CRPF Jawan’s Funeral – What Does Protocol Say?

So, what is the protocol when a CRPF jawan is killed in action? Who is mandated to attend the funeral?

A family member pays tribute to CRPF inspector Pintu Kumar Singh, who was killed in an encounter with militants at north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara district, at a ceremony, in Patna. 

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar came under sharp criticism for not paying their respects to slain CRPF Inspector Pintu Kumar Singh – when the two leaders were present in Patna for the ruling NDA’s Sankalp Rally on the same day his mortal remains were brought home and the last rites held.

Singh was killed during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday, 1 March.

Not just the two leaders – not a single NDA minister attended Singh’s funeral or received his mortal remains at the Patna airport.

Is it Mandatory for Members of Ruling Party to Attend a Martyr’s Funeral?

While the protocol does not mandate members of the ruling party to attend martyrs’ funerals, according to ANI sources, the prime minister had, in the aftermath of the attack in Pulwama, asked his ministers in the BJP-governed states to pay their respects in their respective constituencies and states.

Speaking to The Quint, DIG and CRPF spokesperson M Dhinakaran said:

“It is not mandatory for anyone from the CMO to attend the funeral, as per protocol. However, it is also not uncommon for them to attend. Sometimes, even the chief minister attends the funeral.”

At least 45 CRPF jawans have been killed in India, over the last two weeks, including those in the Pulwama terror attack.

What Happens When a Jawan is Killed in Action

Following the postmortem examination and embalming, the mortal remains of jawans are placed in a coffin at the nearest CRPF headquarters.

Speaking to The Quint, former Additional Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Sanjiv Krishnan Sood, said:

“When a CRPF jawan is killed, his body is laid in a coffin and it is draped with the national flag. The wreath laying ceremony follows, which is attended by the senior-most official from the formation.”

The national flag is only allowed in state/military/central paramilitary forces’ funerals. Draping of the national flag in a private funeral is an offence.

“The mortal remains are then airlifted to the jawan’s home state or city, and it is mandatory for the senior-most officer in the state to attend the ceremony,” added Dhinakaran.

In unprecedented tragedies like the Pulwama terror attack, the mortal remains are taken to the national capital – where the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, Opposition leaders and the chiefs of armed services could pay homage.

Who Has to Attend Jawans’ Funerals as Per Protocol?

Retired IPS officer and former Uttar Pradesh Police Director General Vikram Singh asserts that it is mandatory for a representative from the government to be present – meaning the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police, along with the senior-most member of the formation, must receive the mortal remains at the airport.

The CRPF jawan is then given a ceremonial burial or cremation, depending on the wishes of the family.

“They should go in ceremonial uniform. In such a solemn occasion, one should not take the liberty to wear casual clothes or working uniform or even a half ceremonial uniform. A guard of honour should also be given at the funeral.”

Vikram Singh, former UP Police DG

Where Does the Funeral Take Place?

It is the choice of the family, not the choice of the government, where the ceremonial funeral will take place, said Singh.

“If the family chooses that the funeral will take place in the village, then the DM and the SSP should attend it. For example, if the jawan belongs to Amethi, then the DM and SSP of Sultanpur (district where Amethi is located) should attend the ceremony. The senior-most person of the formation from Lucknow will also go to the place where the funeral will take place.”

Vikram Singh, former UP Police DG

Singh’s mortal remains were taken to Begusarai by a special IAF chopper.

It is also not uncommon for mortal remains of the slain jawan to be taken on a procession in their home town.

Opposition Slams PM Modi, Nitish Kumar

While it is not mandatory, the absence of any NDA face at Singh’s funeral was seen as an “insult” by the Opposition.

The Opposition in Bihar, led by the RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, slammed both Modi and Kumar.

Later in the day, BJP Minister Vijay Sinha visited the residence of Singh in Begusarai, where he was again slammed by a family member. According to a video released by news agency ANI, a relative of Singh told the minister:

“This doesn’t work, you came so late to pay tributes. It’s a martyr’s insult.”