Rifleman Zahid Abass Mir SC

Rifleman Zahid Abass Mir hailed from J&K. Son of Shri Mohd Jamal Mir, he joined the army after completing his initial school education. He was recruited into the 5 JAK LI battalion of the J & K Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry Regiment with a long history of gallantry in numerous battles, having its regimental center in Srinagar's Airport Complex at Awantipora and a winter setup near Jammu. 

Gurez Operation: 07 Oct 2006

During 2006 Rfn Zahid Abass Mir’s unit 5 JAK LI was deployed in the Bandipore district of J&K along the LOC. The Bandipore district of Kashmir had been the hotbed for local as well as Pakistani militants, who were incessantly seeking the opportunity to destabilize the peace in that area. On 7th Oct 2006, Lt Parthiban was the post commander in the forest area of Gurez sector, when his unit received information that some heavily armed terrorists were hiding in the nearby forest in an attempt to cross the line of control. Rfn Zahid Abass Mir was also deployed on the post on that day. After analyzing the situation a decision was taken by the security forces to launch an operation to flush out the terrorists. Consequently, a team of soldiers led by Lt Parthiban from 5 JAK LI unit, swung into action and launched the operation on the morning of 07 Oct 2006. Rfn Zahid Abass Mir was made part the team

Rfn Zahid Abass Mir and his comrades reached the site and cordoned off the suspected area in the jungle. Rfn Zahid Abass Mir and his comrades moved closer to the hideout of the terrorists. Suddenly, two terrorists sprang up from behind the boulders and fired on him indiscriminately causing severe bullet injuries to him. In the exchange of fire, Rfn Zahid Abass Mir received gunshots and got severely injured. Despite his injuries, Rfn Zahid Abass Mir displaying commendable bravery, kept firing at the terrorists. However, he later succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom. Rfn Zahid Abass Mir was a gallant soldier who laid down his life in the line of his duty following the motto of his Regiment "Balidanam Vir Lakshanam" meaning "Sacrifice is a characteristic of the Brave". He was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” on 26 January 2007 for his exceptional courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. The gallantry award was received by his father Shri Mohd Jamal Mir from the President Shri Abdul Kalam.