In first for Kashmir, Nazir Wani gets Ashok Chakra

New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani has been posthumously awarded Indias highest peace time gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, it was announced on Thursday.President Ram Nath Kovind will present the award to Wani's wife Mahajabeen.On November 25 last year, Lance Naik Wani was participating in a counter-terrorist operation against six terrorists in Hirapur village near Batgund in the Kashmir Valley. Amid the intense gun battle, Wani eliminated the district commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and a foreign terrorist. He was then hit by several bullets, including in his head. He also injured another terrorist before succumbing to his injuries.Wani had joined the Army's 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home and Hearth) Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in 2004. He was conferred with Sena Medal for gallantry twice in 2007 and 2018. The 2018 Sena Medal was given for eliminating a terrorist from very close distance. A resident of Cheki Ashmuji of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, Wani is survived by his wife and two sons, Athar (20) and Shaid (18).
--IANS mak/mr