Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani AC, SM (Bar)

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a name now etched in the nation’s memory for his extraordinary courage, hailed from the quiet village of Cheki Ashmuji in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. His journey was unlike that of most soldiers. In his youth, he had briefly drifted toward militancy—an experience that gave him a deep understanding of the turmoil in the region. But he chose to change his path, determined to rebuild his life and serve the very land he once stood against. In 2004, driven by this resolve, he joined the Indian Army and was recruited into the 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), affiliated with the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI). From the very beginning of his service, Lance Naik Wani proved himself to be a soldier of exceptional grit, clarity, and character. Serving in some of the most challenging operational zones of the Valley, he earned the admiration of his comrades for his steadfast commitment and fearless spirit. His understanding of the local terrain, his deep connection with the people, and his unwavering belief in the larger cause of peace made him an invaluable asset in counterinsurgency operations.

Over the years, Wani participated in 17 major counter-insurgency operations, each marked by immense risk. His devotion to duty was acknowledged with the Sena Medal, twice—first in 2007, and again in 2018. The second commendation, significantly, was awarded for neutralising a terrorist at extremely close range, an act that showcased not only his courage but also his presence of mind and tactical brilliance. What made his contributions even more remarkable was the volatile environment in which he operated. During those years, terrorists had increasingly targeted Kashmiri soldiers, policemen, and their families, creating a climate of fear and retaliation. Yet, Lance Naik Wani never hesitated. He volunteered repeatedly for the most dangerous missions, not out of compulsion, but out of a deep conviction that protecting his homeland was his moral duty. In every operation, he epitomised the finest qualities of a soldier—courage, determination, and an unshakeable sense of responsibility.

Despite the demands of his military life, Lance Naik Wani remained deeply rooted in his community. Coming from a humble background, he understood the ground realities faced by ordinary people. He actively worked for the upliftment of the underprivileged in his village and surrounding areas, earning immense respect from those who knew him closely. His compassion was as strong as his courage. He was the son of Shri Sonawullah Wani and Smt. Raja Begam, and brother to Mushtaq Wani, who supported him through every turning point of his life. The pride they felt in his transformation—from a troubled youth to a decorated soldier of the Indian Army—was immeasurable.

Shopian Operation: 25 Nov 2018

In November 2018, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani and his unit were deployed in the volatile region of Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir—an area known for intense terrorist activity. On 25 November 2018, a crucial intelligence input was received indicating the presence of six heavily armed terrorists hiding in a village nearby. Acting swiftly on this information, L/Nk Wani was tasked with blocking the most likely escape route of the terrorists, a role that demanded precision, courage, and complete presence of mind. Without losing a moment, he moved with his team toward the target location and positioned himself tactically, placing himself at striking distance of the suspected house. The terrorists, realising they were trapped, attempted to break the inner cordon by unleashing indiscriminate gunfire and hurling grenades. Despite the sudden escalation, L/Nk Wani stood his ground with remarkable composure. In the fierce close-quarter battle that followed, he engaged the terrorists fearlessly and eliminated one hardcore militant at point-blank range.

As the encounter intensified, L/Nk Wani’s instincts as a seasoned soldier came to the fore. Under heavy enemy fire, he advanced toward the target house itself and threw a grenade into a room where another terrorist was concealed, forcing him out of cover. In the midst of the chaos, he noticed a foreign terrorist attempting to flee through a window. Without hesitation, he closed in, confronting the terrorist in a brutal, hand-to-hand combat situation. Though grievously wounded in the struggle, L/Nk Wani summoned extraordinary courage and neutralised the fleeing terrorist. Even after sustaining serious injuries, he refused to withdraw. Displaying a rare combination of resilience and audacity, he continued to engage the remaining terrorists with the same intensity and determination. In another close-range exchange, he critically injured one more terrorist. However, during this gallant effort, he was hit again by hostile fire and ultimately succumbed to his wounds.

Throughout the operation, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani demonstrated exceptional bravery, presence of mind, and unwavering dedication to his comrades and the mission at hand. His actions resulted in the elimination of two terrorists and significantly contributed to the safe evacuation of his wounded colleagues. He laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, embodying the true spirit of sacrifice and heroism. Lance Naik Wani’s valour that day was nothing short of extraordinary—an enduring reminder of the courage that defines India’s finest soldiers and the ultimate price he willingly paid to uphold peace in his homeland. Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani was given the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, “Ashok Chakra” for his raw courage, indomitable fighting spirit, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani is survived by his wife, Smt Mehjabeen Akhtar and two sons Athar and Shahid.

The citation for the “Ashok Chakra” awarded to him reads :

Since his enrollment in the Army, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, SM(Bar), epitomized the qualities of a fine soldier. He always volunteered for the challenging mission, displaying great courage under adverse conditions, exposing himself to grave danger on numerous occasions in the line of duty. This is evident from the two gallantry awards conferred on him earlier.

On 25 November 2018, credible intelligence was received regarding the presence of six heavily armed terrorists in a village of Jammu and Kashmir. Tasked to block the most likely escape route. L/Nk Nazir Ahmad Wani moved swiftly with his team to the target house and tactically positioned himself within striking distance. Sensing danger, the terrorists attempted to breach the inner cordon, firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades. Undeterred by the situations. L/Nk Nazir held ground and eliminated one hardcore terrorist in a fierce exchange at close range. Thereafter, displaying exemplary soldierly skills, L/Nk Nazir closed in with the target house under heavy fire and lobbed a grenade into a room where another terrorist was hiding. Seeing the foreign terrorist escaping from the window, he encountered him in a hand to hand combat situation. Despite being severely wounded, L/Nk Nazir eliminated the terrorist. Showing utter disregard to his injury, L/Nk Nazir continued to engage the remaining terrorists with same ferocity and audacity. He injured yet another terrorist at close range, but was hit again and succumbed to his injuries.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, Sena Medal** exhibited most conspicuous gallantry in personally eliminating two terrorists and assisting in evacuation of his wounded colleagues and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.