Soldier shoots self dead at Nagrota Army camp in Jammu

A 24-year-old soldier allegedly shot himself dead with his service rifle at an Army camp in Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu, officials said on Thursday.

The Agniveer, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh , was on guard duty at the garrison when he reportedly took the extreme step around midnight on Wednesday. He was declared dead at the spot and his body was later shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu for a post-mortem examination.

Authorities said the motive behind the soldier’s actions is yet to be ascertained. Police have initiated inquest proceedings, and further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The Indian Army has been informed and standard procedures are being followed, officials added.

The incident underscores the ongoing concern over the well-being of armed forces personnel. While the exact reasons for this case remain unclear, recurring self-inflicted deaths among soldiers have highlighted the pressures of military life , including stress, long deployments, and operational challenges. Experts and defence welfare advocates emphasize the importance of psychological support systems, counseling services, and stress management programs to ensure the safety and welfare of personnel deployed in demanding conditions.