Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan from Jammu Munir Ahmed, who was dismissed from service has again made headlines. Munir was dismissed for allegedly hiding his marriage to a Pakistani woman. However, now he has refuted the charges, claiming he had obtained official permission from the force’s headquarters before the wedding.

The CRPF jawan made these claims while speaking to news agency PTI. Ahmed said the dismissal came as a shock to him and his family because he had taken the permission prior to his marriage.

“I initially came to know about my dismissal through media reports. I shortly received a letter from the CRPF informing me about the dismissal, which came as a shock to me and my family, as I had sought and received permission for my marriage to a Pakistani woman from the headquarters,” Ahmad said.

Marriage After Approval, Says Ahmed

According to reports, CRPF Ahmed is a resident of the Gharota area in Jammu. He joined the CRPF in April 2017. Soon Ahmed met Minal Khan from Pakistan’s Punjab province online. Both got married through a video call nikah ceremony on May 24, 2024. According to Ahmed, his marriage with Minal occurred nearly a month after he received a formal approval from the CRPF headquarters on April 30, 2024.

Ahmed further stated that he has informed the force of his intention to marry a Pakistani national as early as December 31, 2022. He allegedly submitted all required documents. This includes affidavits from family members and local representatives, through official channels to the CRPF Headquarters.

CRPF Ahmed’s statement

Explaining the process he was asked to follow before marriage, Ahmed said, “I made the first correspondence on December 31, 2022 informing my wish to marry the Pakistani national and I was asked to complete formalities like enclosing copies of passport, marriage card and affidavits.”

“I submitted my affidavit and also the affidavits of my parents, sarpanch, and district development council member through proper channels and finally got a go ahead from the headquarters on April 30, 2024,” he added.

Visa Overstay and Transfer

According to reports, Minal Khan entered India on February 28 on a short-term visa. This visa expired on March 22, 2025 . However, her deportation was stayed by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This comes after the couple applied for a Long-Term Visa and completed the required procedures for the visa.

“When she came (to India) for the first time on February 28 on a 15-day visa, we applied for a Long Term Visa in March itself and completed the necessary formalities, including interview,” he added.

However, following the visa expiry, CRPF accused Ahmed of aiding her stay beyond the legal limit. The CRPF considered it as a breach of service rules and a potential national security threat. Troubles escalated amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

“No NOC Required” Claim

Ahmed also stated that there is no provision for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) under the current rules. He had allegedly completed the formalities by informing the government about his marriage to a foreign national. He further said that he had been advised accordingly. “I was told there’s no NOC required once I informed the authorities and completed the formalities,” he said.

“We got married online on May 24, 2024, through a video call and submitted marriage pictures, ‘Nikkah’ papers and marriage certificate to the 72 Battalion, ” Ahmed explained.

Sudden Transfer

As Ahmed returned from leave, he was ordered to report to his battalion in Sunderbani on March 25. However, he was abruptly transferred to the 41st Battalion in Bhopal without the usual 15-day notice.

He claimed that during his joining process on March 29, he underwent an interview. During the interview he informed senior officers of his marriage to a Pakistani woman, But he was transferred to the 41st Battalion in Bhopal immediately on resuming duty.

“I was given the order copy and relieved immediately, leaving me with no option but to join my duties at Bhopal, where I joined on March 29. I faced the interview of the commanding officer and his deputy on reaching there and also completed the documentation process, clearly mentioning my marriage to a Pakistani woman,” he said, adding he had even made the entry in his battalion data record book.

Calling the dismissal “unjustified,” Ahmed said he is preparing to challenge the decision in court. “I am hopeful of getting justice through the legal system,” he said.