Martyred soldier Lance Naik Nazir Wani was a terrorist before becoming a decorated armyman

A highly decorated soldier from Jammu and Kashmir, whose name was enough to send shivers down the spine of terrorists, was killed on Sunday, following a heavy gun-battle with a group of militants from Hizbul Mujahedeen and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Shopian district.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who was a militant who surrendered to serve his country, was part of a team conducting a search of a house suspected to hold terrorists when he encountered the militants.  

In the gunfight, Wani was fatally wounded and was evacuated to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries. The six terrorists were also killed in the encounter.

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.

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.