Lance Naik Mohd Firoz Khan SM

Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan hailed from the Nawab Saheb Kunta area in the old city of Hyderabad, Telangana. Born to an Army veteran, Shri Jaffer Khan, and Smt. Razia Begum L/Nk Mohd Firoz was deeply inspired by his father’s service and dedication to the nation. Growing up in a disciplined and patriotic environment, he imbibed the values of courage, commitment, and selfless service from an early age. Motivated to follow in his father’s footsteps, he joined the Indian Army in the year 1998. He was recruited into the 18 Madras Battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its gallant soldiers and glorious traditions of valour in various wars and operations. During his tenure with his parent regiment, Lance Naik Firoz Khan displayed commendable professionalism, physical endurance, and devotion to duty, earning the respect of his comrades and superiors alike.

Owing to his operational proficiency and proven track record, he was later deputed to the 38 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) — a unit actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. By the year 2015, Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan had rendered nearly 15 years of dedicated service to the nation. Over the years, he had evolved into a seasoned and battle-hardened soldier, known for his courage under fire, calm composure in challenging conditions, and unwavering sense of duty towards his comrades.

.Poonch LOC Firing: 15 Oct 2013

During 2013, Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan was serving with the 38 Rashtriya Rifles battalion, which was deployed in the Poonch sector of Jammu & Kashmir. The battalion’s area of operations lay along the Line of Control (LoC) — a region that remained highly sensitive and volatile due to frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces. Despite the ceasefire agreement of 2003 between India and Pakistan, the LoC in this sector often witnessed unprovoked firing and shelling, posing constant threats to the troops deployed along the forward posts. Throughout this period, Pakistani forces repeatedly violated the truce, disregarding appeals for restraint made during various flag meetings between the two sides. In yet another such instance of unprovoked aggression, on 14 October 2013, Pakistani troops initiated heavy mortar and small-arms shelling in the Balakote sector of Mendhar Tehsil in Poonch district. The intensity of the firing escalated quickly, prompting Indian forces to launch a strong counter-offensive. The exchange of fire continued intermittently for nearly two days.

On 15 October 2013, while the exchange of fire was still in progress, Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan was performing his duties at his post with exceptional alertness and courage. In the midst of intense shelling, he was struck by a mortar round, sustaining grievous injuries. Despite all efforts to save him, he later succumbed to his wounds and was martyred in the line of duty. Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan was a dedicated, courageous, and disciplined soldier who epitomized the finest traditions of the Indian Army. He served the nation with unwavering commitment and made the supreme sacrifice while defending the country’s borders under hostile and challenging conditions. For his extraordinary gallantry, unwavering devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan was posthumously awarded the prestigious “Sena Medal.” His service to the nation will always be remembered with pride, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of soldiers to uphold the honour and traditions of the Indian Army.

Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan is survived by his father, Shri Jaffer Khan; mother, Smt Razia Begum, wife, Smt Nasreen Khan; and three children.