Martyr Naik Dilwar Khan, a native of Gharwasda village in Bangana area of Una district in Himachal Pradesh has been posthumously awarded the prestigious Kirti Chakra for his courage and bravery.
On the eve of Republic Day on January 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu had announced gallantry awards for 93 armed forces and CAPF personnel, including two Kirti Chakras, one of which was posthumously awarded to Naik Dilwar Khan.
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri honoured Dilwar Khan’s wife Jameela Khan and other family members at the Republic Day ceremony in Una.
Made supreme sacrifice at young age of 28
Serving in the Artillery Regiment of the 28th Battalion of the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, Naik Dilwar Khan made the supreme sacrifice for the nation at the young age of 28.
According to reports, on the night of July 23, 2024, the Army received intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in Lolab Valley of Kupwara district.
The 28th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles was tasked with the mission and promptly deployed a team to the valley, which included Naik Dilwar Khan.
Neutralised both terrorists despite being injured
As the team entered the dense forests of Lolab Valley around midnight, Naik Dilwar spotted two terrorists. He quickly signaled his team to stop, but one of the terrorists noticed their presence and alerted his companions.
The terrorists opened fire with automatic rifles and the Army soldiers responded with equal force. Spotting an opportunity to capture one of the terrorists alive, Naik Dilwar risked his life to apprehend him despite the heavy gunfire.
While attempting to subdue the terrorist, another militant targeted Naik Dilwar and fired multiple shots at him.
Despite sustaining gunshot wounds, he did not give up and continued to engage the terrorists, ultimately neutralising both of them. However, he succumbed to his injuries in the dense forest.
