The recent dismissal of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper Munir Ahmed has stirred nationwide debate, after he was sacked for allegedly concealing his marriage to Minal Khan, a Pakistani national. However, Ahmed claims he followed all due procedures and had received prior approval from the CRPF headquarters before tying the knot. He now plans to challenge the dismissal in court, stating his confidence in receiving justice.

CRPF Claims Concealment, Ahmed Alleges Permission Granted

According to the official statement by the CRPF, the dismissal was due to Ahmed "concealing" his marriage with a Pakistani woman and harbouring her beyond her visa's validity, actions deemed detrimental to national security.

However, Ahmed, a resident of Gharota in Jammu, strongly disputes this claim. Speaking to media over the phone, he revealed that he had sought permission from CRPF HQ in late 2022, submitted all required documents, and only married Khan after receiving a green signal on April 30, 2024.

“This came as a shock to me and my family,” he said. “I informed the force about my marriage intentions and submitted affidavits from my parents, local sarpanch and DDC member.”

Timeline of the Marriage and Visa Proceedings

Munir Ahmed joined the CRPF in April 2017 and was posted in 72 Battalion. His marriage to Minal Khan took place online via video call on May 24, 2023, a month after obtaining permission.

He claims to have submitted:

• Marriage photos

• Nikah documents

• Marriage certificate
  to his battalion as part of standard reporting procedure.

Minal Khan entered India on February 28, 2024, on a 15-day visa. The couple then applied for a Long Term Visa (LTV). However, her visa expired on March 22, leading to legal complications. Her deportation was later stayed by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, providing temporary relief.

Alleged Irregularities in Transfer Process

Ahmed also alleges procedural lapses in his recent transfer. After returning from leave, he was asked to report to his battalion HQ in Sunderbani on March 25. However, just two days later, on March 27, he received sudden transfer orders to 41st Battalion in Bhopal, with no mandatory 15-day joining time provided.

Despite this, Ahmed joined duty in Bhopal on March 29, underwent an interview with senior officers, and submitted all marriage-related details again, even updating his battalion data record book.

Marriage Under Scrutiny Post-Pahalgam Attack

The entire issue has gained prominence amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. As part of retaliatory diplomatic measures, India ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country. This action brought attention to Minal Khan’s presence and her expired visa, intensifying scrutiny over the marriage.

Ahmed claims: “We had already initiated the LTV process. The High Court saw the merit and stayed her deportation.”

CRPF Procedure on Foreign Marriages

As per CRPF norms, personnel planning to marry foreign nationals must:

• Seek prior approval from headquarters

• Submit passports, affidavits, and marriage intent letters

• Ensure compliance with security verification norms

Ahmed asserts he followed this exact protocol. However, CRPF appears to contest the authenticity or timing of this permission, leading to what Ahmed calls a “wrongful dismissal.”

Legal Battle Ahead

Ahmed now intends to challenge his dismissal in court and has expressed confidence in receiving justice.

“I am hopeful of getting justice from the court of law,” he said.

Legal experts state that if Ahmed can prove that the CRPF granted permission and he followed the due process, the dismissal could be overturned on procedural grounds.

Broader Implications

This case has reignited discussions around:

• Marriage laws for armed forces personnel with foreign nationals

• Visa regulations during times of diplomatic crisis

• Administrative accountability in paramilitary transfers and documentation

It also raises questions about how security risks are assessed and whether internal communication lapses may lead to unjust career-ending consequences.

Conclusion

At the heart of this issue lies the delicate balance between national security and individual rights. If Ahmed's claims of HQ-approved marriage and due compliance are verified, his dismissal may be viewed as hasty or politically motivated amidst Indo-Pak tensions.

The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched, not just by CRPF personnel, but also by the wider legal and defence communities, as a precedent-setting case in marital transparency and service ethics.

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