For the first time, Kashmiri soldier gets Ashok Chakra

Nazir Wani awarded India’s highest peace time gallantry award

Srinagar, January 24: Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani was posthumously awarded India’s highest peace time gallantry award the ‘Ashok Chakra’.President of India Ram Nath Kovind will present the ‘Ashok Chakra ’ to the gallant soldier’s wife Mahajabeen.

On 25 November, Lance Naik Nazir Wani was participating in a counter militancy operation against six militants in Hirapur village near Batgund, Kashmir. Under intense hail of bullets from the militants, he eliminated the district commander of the LeT and one foreign militant in a very daring display of raw courage.

In the ensuing gunfight, he was hit multiple times including his head. He also injured another militant before succumbing to his grievous injuries. Lance Naik Nazir joined the Army’s 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home and Hearth) Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, at a young age in 2004. He was a hero right from the beginning and always served for peace in his home state of Jammu and Kashmir.

His extraordinarily fearless and courageous personage was reflected in getting the Sena Medal for gallantry twice in 2007 and 2018. The 2018 Sena Medal was given for eliminating one militant from a very close distance. Always having the interests of the Nation in his heart , he joined the Indian Army.

To fight the onslaught of Pakistan supported militant outfits, he operated with Rashtriya Rifles units in Kashmir.

Throughout his active life, he always willingly faced grave potential threats and was a source of inspiration for others. Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani of Cheki Ashmuji of Kulgam district Jammu and Kashmir, did his village, district and State proud on the 70th Republic Day.

Being from a humble background he worked for the benefit of the underprivileged section of society. A very genial man he was very mindful of the problems of his village and surrounding area. Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani also had many acts of selfless service in the area he belonged to.

His heroic efforts during operations will be a beacon of light for the youth of Kashmir. Apart from his wife he is survived by two sons Athar (20) and Shaid (18) (KNO)