A twice-decorated hero, who first proved his worth during a famous assault to capture the highest enemy post on the Siachen glacier, breathed his last after a fierce firefight with militants in the Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

Naib Subedar Chunni Lal took down five militants in a heavy exchange of fire along the LoC before succumbing to bullet injuries.

According to preliminary reports, the JCO was leading an ambush party in the Keran sector when it came under heavy fire from a group of terrorists hiding near the LoC.

In the ensuing encounter, two militants were shot dead while the remaining three launched a suicidal attack on the troops in a bid to escape.

Army reports say the JCO sensed the criticality of the situation and charged at the oncoming terrorists. Despite being fatally wounded, he continued to fire till all terrorists were eliminated.

The soldier was earlier awarded the Vir Chakra in 1999 sector when he fought back an attempted intrusion by the Pakistan army in the Poonch sector.

The JCO held position after an attempt by the Pakistan army to capture his post.

However, Lal’s first brush with fame came in 1987 when he formed part of the small assault group that captured the Bana post located at 21,153 feet on the Siachen Glacier. He was awarded the Sena Medal for his

bravery.

Lal, survived by his wife and two children, belongs to Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. He will be cremated with full military honours on Wednesday.