Terrorist-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani to be conferred with Ashok Chakra posthumously

Kashmiri terrorist-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani will be posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award, at this year’s Republic Day function. The terrorist, who gave up arms and joined the Territorial Army, was martyred while killing six terrorists in the Valley on November 23. Wani was operating with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles when intelligence was received regarding the presence of six heavily armed Hizbul and Lashkar terrorists at Batagund village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian. He was also a two-time Sena Medal winner.

“Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani exhibited the most conspicuous gallantry in personality eliminating two terrorists and assisting in the evacuation of his wounded colleagues and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army,” a press release from the President’s Secretariat said.

A serving #IndianArmy officer consoling father of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad of 34 Rashtriya Rifles, who lost his life fighting terrorists in #Shopian in Kulgam district of J&K. #IndianArmy #SalutingtheBraveheart #Braveheart @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/k2Yklmf1Ev

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 28, 2018

Wani was a resident of Kulgam and he, along with his team, was tasked to block the likely escape route of the terrorists.

“Sensing danger, the terrorists attempted breaching the inner cordon, firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades. Undeterred by the situation, Wani held ground and eliminated one terrorist in a fierce exchange at close range,” the statement said.

Wani was given a 21-gun salute and hundreds of villagers were present as the body was taken for burial.