Months after his death, a Kashmir terrorist turned soldier has been chosen for Ashoka Chakra, the countries highest peace time gallantary award, by the Union Government. The award will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind to his wife, Mahajabeen, on 26 January during the Republic Day Parade.
Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani was part of an operation against six terrorists in Hirapur village ner Kashmir's Batagund on November 25 when his team came under attack. He had stormed the house where the terrorists were hiding and killed an LeT district commander and a foreign terrorist before being hit by bullets. He was able to injure a third terrorist before he was taken to the military hospital, where he breathed his last.
The soldier's body was draped in Tricolour when brought back to his village. It was then handed over to the family. He was burried amid a 21-gun salute at his village on November 26. Many military personals and local residents were present at his funeral.
Lance Naik Wani who hailed from Cheki AShmuji in Kulgam district, was part of a terrorist group in the early ninties before joining the counter-insugency group in 2004. He oined the army's 162 Infantry Battaliaon, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in the year 2004.
He is a receiver of the Sena Medal for gallantary on two occasions, one in 2007 and the other in 2018. His unit usually participated in anti-terrorist efforts in collaboration with Rashtriya Rifles in Kashmir.