15 October 2013 | A Braveheart of The Madras Regiment
On 15 October 2013, Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan of The Madras Regiment, serving with 38 Rashtriya Rifles, made the supreme sacrifice while performing his duties in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He was deployed at a forward position when cross-border firing placed Indian troops under threat.
The incident occurred amid an escalation along the Line of Control in the Balakote sector of Mendhar tehsil, Poonch district. Mortar and small-arms fire struck the area on 14 October and continued intermittently into the following day, exposing personnel at forward positions to danger.
On 15 October, while the exchange of fire was underway, Lance Naik Firoz Khan sustained grievous injuries from a mortar round. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. His sacrifice came while he was carrying out his assigned duties in a sensitive border sector.
Lance Naik Firoz Khan hailed from the Nawab Saheb Kunta area of Hyderabad, Telangana. He was the son of Army veteran Jaffer Khan and Razia Begum. Inspired by his father's service, he joined the Indian Army in 1998 and served with The Madras Regiment before his deployment with 38 Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir.
His service reflected a commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him as a soldier. Personnel at forward posts face risks from sudden mortar and small-arms fire, often in circumstances that leave little time to respond. Lance Naik Firoz Khan made the supreme sacrifice while serving in these demanding conditions.
In recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal. He was survived by his parents, wife Nasreen Khan and three children. His loss was deeply felt by his family, comrades and regiment.
Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan will be remembered for his service and supreme sacrifice on 15 October 2013. The Honour Post pays tribute to his devotion to duty and honours his memory with respect and gratitude.
Lance Naik Mohammad Firoz Khan, The Honour Post pays tribute to your service, courage and supreme sacrifice.
