IAF Garud Commando Jyoti Nirala conferred with Ashok Chakra for role in Kashmir operations that killed 6 terrorists

Jyoti Prakash Nirala, an Indian Air Force Garud commando who laid down his life while gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, was on Thursday posthumously conferred with the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime military decoration.

Corporal Nirala was part of a Garud Special Forces Unit, a detachment of which was attached to a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under aegis of 'Op Rakshak' in Jammu and Kashmir.

On 18 November, 2017, based on specific intelligence, an offensive was launched in Chanderger village of Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Garud detachment covertly approached the target house where the suspected terrorists were hiding and laid a close quarter ambush.
"Corporal Nirala, displaying exceptional battle craft, positioned himself close to the approach of the hideout, thus cutting off all possibilities of an escape by the terrorists.

"Laying the ambush at such close quarters demanded a very high degree of courage and professional acumen," a statement by the Defence Ministry said.

While the detachment laid in wait, six terrorists hiding in the house, rushed out, shooting and lobbing grenades at the Garuds.

"Corporal Nirala, disregarding personal safety and displaying indomitable courage, retaliated with effective lethal fire and gunned down two category 'A' terrorists and injured two others," the statement said.