22-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmed Thokar made his family and country proud by laying down his life while rescuing civilians caught in a crossfire at Sopore.
There were many moist eyes at the funeral of 22-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmed Thokar. The Kashmiri commando made his family and country proud by laying down his life while rescuing civilians caught in a crossfire at Sopore. Thokar was among three soldiers killed during an operation to flush out militants from Chinkipora village on Tuesday.
Even in their sorrow, his family said it was feeling proud of Thokar’s sacrifice. “I salute his martyrdom. He was the youngest of my children and I loved him the most. Though I am numb with grief, I salute his sacrifice,” said Thokar’s mother Saleema Bi.
The Thokars, from Manloo-Zawoora village in Shopian district, are a family of patriots. Two of Imtiyaz’s elder brothers are in the army. Another serves in the police. Imtiyaz had volunteered for the army because he loved his country.
After completing class XII, Imtiyaz was selected in central reserve police force (CRPF). After a brief stint there, he joined the army’s elite force on March 18, 2007. Earlier, he had been posted in Jammu and Kashmir light infantry.
Soon, Imtiyaz proved so good at his job, that he was selected for commando training. After nine months of hard work, he was posted in 1-Para (special forces).
“Imtiyaz had completed a nine-month training to become a special commando. He was also part of the 26/11 operation in Mumbai, where he had a miraculous escape,” said Nazir Ahmad Thokar, father of the slain commando. The commando also served in Chandigarh, Agra, Teetwal and other places in Kashmir.
The army, however, could not confirm his participation in the 26/11 operations in Mumbai. Brigadier Anil Pandey of the Rashtriya Riffles, who was at Thokar’s funeral, said he had no idea whether Thokar had participated in the operation.
Lieutenant colonel JS Brar paid Thokar a glowing tribute for shielding the civilians from enemy fire and bringing them out of the combat zone.
“This young son of the soil engaged four militants. He wounded a terrorist, got hit by bullets and was grievously injured. But he disregarded it and continued to fire,” said Lt Col Brar.
Thokar was buried in his hometown with full military honors. Top army officers attended his funeral.
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