Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who was killed during an anti-terror operation in Batagund village in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, in November last year, has been conferred the Ashok Chakra, the highest gallantry medal awarded by India during peacetime. He is the first Kashmiri to bag this award.

A notification from Rashtrapati Bhavan said, ‘Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani exhibited the most conspicuous gallantry in personality eliminating two terrorists and assisting in the evacuation of his wounded colleagues and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.’

Ahmad Wani, a former militant, went on to become a two-time Sena Medal winner in the Indian Army after his surrender.

During the November anti-terror operation that claimed his life he was with the 34 Rashtriya Rifles. He was given a 21-gun salute and hundreds of villagers turned up for his funeral.

A resident of Cheki Ashmuji village in Kulgam, he is survived by his wife and two children.

Four officers and soldiers have been conferred the Kirti Chakra while 12 others have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra this year.