While Ashok Chakra was given to Wani, there were two recipients of Kirti Chakra and nine Shaurya Chakra awardees.
Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a militant-turned-soldier who laid down his life fighting a group of terrorists in Shopian in Kashmir in November, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday.
Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
Along with Wani, hundreds of security forces jawans were honoured for their bravery. Among the recipients for the top gallantry awards were soldiers who laid their lives for the nation.
While Ashok Chakra was given to Wani, there were two recipients of Kirti Chakra and nine Shaurya Chakra awardees.
Here is a list of top gallantry award winners who put nations before self:
1. Ashok Chakra: Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani
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Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a militant-turned-soldier who laid down his life fighting a group of terrorists in Shopian in Kashmir in November, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday. The award -- India's highest peacetime gallantry honour -- was received by Wani's wife and mother at the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath. Wani is the first Kashmiri to be conferred the Ashoka Chakra.
On November 25, 38-year-old Wani, hailing from Cheki Ashmuji in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, lost his life in a counter-terror operation against six terrorists in Hirapur village near Batgund in Shopian. Under intense hail of bullets from the terrorists, he eliminated the 'district commander' of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and one foreign terrorist in a daring display of raw courage, Army officials said.
In the ensuing gunfight, he was hit multiple times including on his head. He also injured another terrorist before succumbing to his grievous wounds, they said. According to the citation, Wani single-handedly killed two terrorists during the Shopian operation and injured a third one despite receiving serious injuries.
"In an unparalleled saga of sacrifice, Lance Naik Wani prevented escape of the terrorists from the target house and made a huge contribution in neutralisation of six hardcore terrorists, in the process laying down his life upholding the highest tradition of the Indian Army," it said.
One of his colleagues, who wished not to be named, said he always volunteered for challenging missions, displaying great courage under adverse conditions and exposing himself to grave danger on numerous occasions in the line of duty.
Lance Naik Wani joined the Army's 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in 2004. Wani was a recipient of the Sena Medal for gallantry twice in 2007 and 2018. Wani was from a humble background and used to work for the benefit of the underprivileged sections of society in his locality. Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
2. Kirti Chakra
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Major Tushar Gaba, 20 Jat Regiment & Sowar Vijay Kumar, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (Parent Unit: 87 Armoured Regiment) displayed indomitable courage, valour & unparalleled bravery in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Major Gaba: His act of unparallel bravery under heavy terrorist fire, tactical acumen and swift action to save his party resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorist and no further casualty to own troops, according to the citation.
Sowar Vijay Kumar (Posthumous): According to citation, sensing danger to his comrades he came out in the open and directly engaged the terrorists, to cover the movement. In the firefight he got injured but eliminated one terrorist. Despite being injured he refused evacuation and under effective covering fire from his buddy he crawled forward and eliminated second terrorist in hand to hand combat. For displaying indomitable raw courage and undaunting bravery beyond the call of duty in eliminating two hardcore terrorists, Sowar Vijay Kumar is awarded “KIRTI CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
3. Shaurya Chakra
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Capt Abhay Sharma, SM, Lt Col Vikrant Prasher, Major Rohit Lingwal of The Parachute Regiment, Major Amit Kumar Dimri 14 RR (Garhwal Rifles) & Major Imliakum Keitzar, 4/4 Gorkha Rifles displayed conspicuous courage & bravery in counter-terrorism operations. Awarded Shaurya Chakra.
4. Shaurya Chakra
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Sapper Mahesh HN, 44 Rashtriya Rifles, Sepoy Ajay Kumar, 42 Rashtriya Rifles, L/NK Ayyub Ali, 9 Rashtriya Rifles, Captain AK Choudhary, 21 Rashtriya Rifles displayed conspicuous courage & bravery in counter terrorism operations. Awarded Shaurya Chakra
