Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

Today, Kashmir enjoys a measure of peace because of the supreme sacrifices made by sons of the soil like Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani. A native of Cheki Ashmuji village in Kulgam district (South Kashmir) of Jammu and Kashmir, he became the first soldier from the Union Territory to be posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Remembering Heroes

On November 25, 2018, Lance Naik Wani's JAKLI1 unit -- he was from the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army-- launched an operation against six heavily armed terrorists hiding in a village in south Kashmir. He was assigned the critical task of blocking their escape routes. After deploying his team, he positioned himself close to the house where the terrorists had taken shelter.

Army commander bidding farewell to Nazir Ahmed Wani in Srinagar

As the terrorists attempted to break the cordon by hurling grenades and firing indiscriminately, Wani stood his ground with exceptional composure. In the fierce close-quarter battle that followed, he eliminated one hardcore terrorist. Undeterred, he advanced towards the house through intense gunfire and lobbed a grenade into a room where another terrorist was hiding.

Amid the chaos, Wani spotted a foreign terrorist attempting to escape through a window. He closed in and confronted him in a brutal hand-to-hand fight. Though grievously wounded, he displayed extraordinary courage and neutralised the fleeing terrorist.

Mahjabeen receiving the Ashok Chakra for her martyred husband Nazir Ahmed Wani

Despite his injuries, Wani refused to retreat. Displaying remarkable resilience and unwavering determination, he continued to engage the remaining terrorists. During another close-range exchange, he critically injured a third terrorist before being hit again by hostile fire. He later succumbed to his wounds.

Throughout the operation, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani displayed exceptional bravery, tactical skill, and complete devotion to duty. His actions eliminated two terrorists, wounded another, and enabled the safe evacuation of his injured comrades, playing a decisive role in the success of the mission.

The bust of L/N Nazir Ahmed Wani in the school in his village

For his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage, and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra. His heroism remains an enduring symbol of the courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment that define India's finest soldiers.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani is survived by his wife, Mehjabeen Akhtar, and their two sons, Athar and Shahid.

 Wani had participated in 17 major counter-insurgency operations during the peak of terrorism in South Kashmir, and each was marked by immense risk. His devotion to duty was acknowledged with two Sena Medals and a commendation.

Mahjabeen paying floral tributes at her husband's bust

At 28, Nazir Ahmed Wani had laid down his life for the nation. His journey was unlike that of most soldiers. In his youth, he had briefly drifted toward militancy—an experience that gave him a deep understanding of the turmoil in the region. But he chose to change his path, determined to rebuild his life and serve the very land he once stood against.

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The Jammu and Kashmir government has named a school in his village after him.