Rifleman Waseem Akram Lone of 160 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home and Hearth), Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, made the supreme sacrifice on 2 November 2015 while serving in the Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
He hailed from Bandipora district and was serving alongside regular Army troops in the sensitive forward areas along the Line of Control. His familiarity with the local terrain and knowledge of the area formed an important part of the Home and Hearth force's role in the region.
The Incident in Gurez
On 2 November 2015, Pakistani troops opened fire on an Indian forward post in the Gurez sector. The firing reportedly involved heavy weapons and rockets, targeting the Indian position near Tarbal in the Baktoor area.
Rifleman Waseem Akram Lone and fellow Territorial Army soldier Rifleman Tariq Ahmad Lone were present at the forward post when it came under fire.
The exchange of fire continued for an extended period. Both soldiers made the supreme sacrifice during the incident.
A Soldier of the Home and Hearth Battalion
Home and Hearth battalions have played an important role in supporting the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. Comprising local personnel familiar with the region, these units contribute to operations and security duties in challenging terrain.
Rifleman Waseem Akram Lone served in one such formation, performing his duties in a sensitive sector along the Line of Control.
Remembering Rifleman Waseem Akram Lone
On 2 November 2026, 160 Infantry Battalion (TA) (H&H), JAK Rifles, held a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of Rifleman Waseem Akram Lone and Rifleman Tariq Ahmad Lone, marking eleven years since their supreme sacrifice.
Rifleman Waseem Akram Lone remains remembered for his service and sacrifice in the Gurez sector.
