Mohd Ajaz, SC

Biography

Rifleman Mohd Ajaz served with the 5th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, one of the Indian Army's infantry regiments drawn largely from the hardy people of the mountainous frontier state. As a soldier of an infantry unit deployed in the demanding environment of counter-insurgency operations, he was trained for the rigours of high-altitude patrolling, ambush duties and close-quarter combat against armed militants. On 23 September 2000, Rifleman Mohd Ajaz laid down his life in the line of duty. For his conspicuous courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of the nation's foremost peacetime gallantry decorations, in recognition of the valour he displayed. The detailed circumstances of his final action are still being compiled from records in the public domain. What is clearly established is that this brave son of India upheld the finest traditions of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, serving with unflinching resolve and making the supreme sacrifice for the security of the nation.