Indian Army shares heartbreaking picture of army officer consoling martyr's father in Kashmir

A heartbreaking photograph of an army officer consoling the father of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, the terrorist-turned-soldier who was martyred on Sunday, has moved thousands who have chanced upon it on social media.

Wani was killed on Sunday, following a heavy gun-battle with a group of militants from Hizbul Mujahedeen and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Shopian district.

Wani has been the recipient of the Sena medal on two occasions – once in 2007 and the other last year – for displaying indomitable courage while fighting terrorists in the valley. He surrendered before the Indian Army when he realised that violence in the valley was futile.

A serving #IndianArmy officer consoling father of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad of 34 Rashtriya Rifles, who lost his life fighting terrorists in #Shopian in Kulgam district of J&K. #IndianArmy #SalutingtheBraveheart #Braveheart @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/k2Yklmf1Ev

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 28, 2018

Floral tributes were paid to Wani in a solemn ceremony at 15 corps headquarters at Badami Bagh Cantonment here on Monday. Leading the nation to pay homage was Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt. In a show of solidarity, representatives from other security agencies also joined in to pay their last respects to the martyr.

“The 38-year-old martyr had joined the Army in 2004. He is survived by his wife and two children,” said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, defence spokesperson at Srinagar.

The mortal remains of the martyr were taken for last rites to his native place. “In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family of the martyr and remains committed to their dignity and well-being”, said Colonel Kalia.