Terrorist Turned Braveheart: Decorated Armyman Nazir Ahmed Wani To Be Conferred With Posthumous Ashok Chakra

It is never too late to mend your path and Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani’s story proved just that, reports The Tribune India.

A terrorist-turned soldier who laid down his life during an anti-terror operation in Kashmir’s Shopian will be conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, officials confirmed on Thursday (24 January). It will be awarded on the seventieth Republic Day.

The 38-year-old who hailed from Ashmuji in Kulgam, lost his life during a fierce fight with terrorists on 25 November. He was a former terrorist but decided to forsake his criminal ways. He joined the army in 2004.

Since then, Wani was part of various anti-terror operations carried out in South Kashmir. As described by journalist Gaurav Sawant, Wani was a volunteer in various anti-terror operations and served as a lead scout. He also played a vital role in bringing various youths back into the mainstream.

For his efforts was awarded the Sena Medal in 2007 and a bar to Sena Medal last year for his indomitable spirit in fighting terrorists.

He was accorded a 21 gun salute at his funeral and is survived by his wife and two sons.