Nation pays tribute to Kashmir’s first 'Ashok Chakra' awardee

Guwahati, January 24, 2019:

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani will be 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 terrorist operation against six terrorists in Hirapur village near Batgund, Kashmir. Under intense hail of bullets from terrorists, he eliminated the district commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and one foreign terrorist in a daring display of courage. In the ensuing gunfight, he was hit multiple times including on his head. He also injured another terrorist before succumbing to his grievous injuries.

Lance Naik Nazir had 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 the 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 terrorist from a very close distance. To fight the onslaught of Pakistan supported terrorist 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 was a resident of Cheki Ashmuji of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, and 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.