Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd SC

During 2008, Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd was serving with 20 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, which was deployed in the Samba district of Jammu & Kashmir for intensive counter-insurgency operations. The unit’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) was highly insurgency-prone, marked by frequent militant activity and infiltration attempts. Operating in such a volatile environment demanded constant vigilance, rapid response capability, and a high degree of operational preparedness from all ranks. On 11 May 2008, acting on credible intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists who had taken civilians hostage at Kali Mandi in Samba district, the unit launched a swift and well-coordinated operation. The mission was both sensitive and critical, as it involved not only neutralising the terrorists but also ensuring the safe rescue of innocent civilians held under imminent threat. Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd was an integral member of the column tasked with the operation and played a pivotal role in establishing a tight and effective close cordon around the target area, thereby preventing any escape by the terrorists.

As the troops closed in, the terrorists opened heavy and indiscriminate fire, turning the situation extremely volatile and life-threatening. In the face of intense gunfire, Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd displayed exceptional composure and leadership. Leading from the front, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he manoeuvred through the danger zone and took charge of the rescue effort. Demonstrating remarkable courage and presence of mind, he successfully facilitated the evacuation of five women, three children, and one man, ensuring their safe extraction from the immediate line of fire. During the subsequent engagement, when the terrorists attempted to break the cordon and flee, Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd confronted them directly. In the fierce exchange that followed, he sustained grievous injuries. Undeterred and refusing to yield, he continued to engage the enemy with unwavering determination and eliminated one terrorist at close range. Moments later, as a second terrorist launched a direct assault on him, he once again stood his ground. Despite his critical condition and the imminent danger, he displayed extraordinary grit and indomitable spirit, and succeeded in neutralising the second terrorist in close combat. Having ensured the success of the mission and the safety of the hostages, Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd eventually succumbed to his injuries. His fearless actions, exceptional presence of mind, and supreme devotion to duty not only led to the successful rescue of civilians but also ensured the complete neutralisation of the terrorist threat. Lance Havildar Aziz Mohd made the supreme sacrifice in the finest traditions of the Indian Army, embodying the highest ideals of courage, selflessness, and duty beyond self. In recognition of his conspicuous bravery and selfless service, he was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 26 January 2009.