As part of the ongoing efforts to honour India’s national heroes in the run-up to Independence Day 2025, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, today visited Naribal, a remote village in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district, to pay solemn tribute to Lance Naik Ghulam Mohammad Khan, a recipient of the Vir Chakra (Posthumous) for his exceptional gallantry during the Kargil War (Operation Vijay).
Accompanied by ADC Sopore, S.A Raina and other senior officers, the DC visited the residence of the martyr and interacted with the family members. The officers conveyed their deep respect and appreciation for the valiant sacrifice made by Lance Naik Khan, who laid down his life on June 7, 1999, while fighting bravely at Point 5203 in the Kargil sector.
The officers present asserted his unmatched courage, during which he eliminated multiple enemy soldiers before succumbing to his injuries, made him receive one of the nation's highest gallantry awards, the Vir Chakra.
To honour the memory of the braveheart, DC announced that the Government Middle School in Naribal will be renamed after Lance Naik Ghulam Mohammad Khan. He also revealed that a memorial gate bearing the martyr’s name will be constructed on the Shalkote–Naribal road, as a lasting symbol of respect and recognition.
The visit also served as a platform for public outreach. A large number of local residents gathered and shared several long-pending demands and grievances pertaining to the lack of road connectivity, inadequate drinking water supply, poor power infrastructure, healthcare issues, and upgradation of school facilities.
Demonstrating a citizen-centric approach, DC listened patiently to all the concerns raised and issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers of the PHE, PWD, Power, Health, and Education departments to initiate prompt action.
He assured the locals that the administration is committed to extending equitable development to far-flung and underdeveloped areas like Naribal, and every genuine demand will be addressed in a time-bound manner.