A terrorist who became a decorated Armyman dies fighting for nation

SRINAGAR: Lance Naik Nazir Ahmed Wani, the soldier slain in a counter-terrorist operation in Shopian district on Sunday in which six terrorists were killed, was once an ikhwan (a terrorist who surrenders and becomes involved in counter-insurgency operations) before joining the Army.

He was a highly decorated soldier and was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry in August 2007 and a bar to the Sena Medal in August this year. He belonged to Cheki Ashmuji village in Kulgam tehsil, in the terror-infested south Kashmir district of Kulgam. Wani is survived by his wife and two children, an Army spokesman said.

The Lance Naik, who began his career with Territorial Army’s 162 Battalion in 2004, received a 21-gun salute on Monday as his body was lowered into the grave, PTI reported. Earlier, the body, wrapped in the Tricolour, was taken to his native village and given to the family.



The village is surrounded by areas like Koinmooh, which are notorious for terrorist activities.

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, the Army spokesman said.

Wani was a terrorist initially and became a counter-insurgent after he realised the futility of violence, a senior Army officer was quoted as saying. “The family was fighting tears and were honoured by the sacrifice of Lance Naik Wani for the nation ,” said the officer.

Wani (38) had been shot and injured during an anti-terror operation at Batagund village in Shopian on Sunday. He was immediately provided first aid and evacuated to a hospital but he succumbed to his injuries later, an Army spokesman said. His battalion was attached to a unit of Rashtriya Rifles.

(With inputs from agencies)