From Militant to India’s Braveheart: Lance Naik Nazir Wani’s Story

The militant-turned-solider lost his life during an anti-terror operation in November last year.

File image of Lance Naik Nazir Wani.

(Photo: Twitter|@juned_wani)

Acknowledging valour, courage and self-sacrifice of Lance Naik Nazir Wani, the militant-turned-soldier will be conferred Ashoka Chakra posthumously on Republic Day 2019.

The Ashoka Chakra award is India's highest peacetime gallantry medal and Wani will be the first Kashmiri to receive it.

Once a militant, Wani lost his life during an anti-terror operation in South Kashmir in November last year. Six terrorists belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba were gunned down in the same encounter.

Wani, along with his team, was tasked to block the possible escape route of the terrorists. Despite getting injured during a clash with one of terrorists, Wani was able to eliminate him, however, the soldier succumbed to injuries later in the hospital.

Journey From Militancy to Martyrdom

The 38-year-old surrendered from militancy and joined the 162 battalion of Territorial Army in 2004. He was operating with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles at the time of the encounter.

According to a report by CNN News18, Wani disappeared in 1992 and was spotted later by some villagers, with a gun. Even his family was unaware of how he joined militant groups.

He is survived by his wife, Mahajabeen, who is a teacher, and two children, aged 20 and 18 years.

In his lifetime, Wani received Sena Medal twice, one in 2007 and again in 2018. The medal is awarded for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage.

Nazir Wani: Indian Army’s #Braveheart

A picture of Wani’s father being consoled by an Indian Army officer broke the internet and made headlines. The picture said “You are not alone – an #IndianArmy officer to Father of a #Braveheart”.

Wani earned a lot of praise for his duty and contribution to the nation. One of his colleagues said, “He always had the interest of the nation in his heart. He operated with the 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 Wani epitomised qualities of a fine soldier. He always volunteered for challenging missions, displaying great courage under adverse circumstances, exposing himself to grave danger in the line of duty,” reads the citation issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On his funeral at his native Chak Ashmuji village in Kulgam, he was given a 21-gun salute and it was attended by hundreds of villagers.

(With inputs from PTI, CNN News18.)