THIS PHOTO OF AN INDIAN ARMY OFFICER CONSOLING FATHER OF MARTYRED SOLDIER IS LEAVING PEOPLE TEARY-EYED

As a nation, we ought to have huge amount of respect for the armed forces for all their sacrifices. But even more for the families of the soldiers, given all they have to go through.

A heartbreaking photograph of an army officer consoling the father of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, the terrorist-turned-soldier who was martyred, has moved thousands who have chanced upon it on social media.

Wani was killed on Sunday following a heavy gun-battle with a group of militants from Hizbul Mujahedeen and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. He has been the recipient of the Sena medal on two occasions for displaying indomitable courage while fighting terrorists in the valley. He surrendered before the Indian Army when he realised that violence in the valley was futile.

As a mark of respect for the brave soldier's sacrifice, the ADG PI of Indian Army shared on Twitter the heart-wrenching photo captured during his funeral. “You are not alone,” read the post.

A serving #IndianArmy officer consoling father of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad of 34 Rashtriya Rifles, who lost his life fighting terrorists in #Shopian in Kulgam district of J&K. #IndianArmy #SalutingtheBraveheart #Braveheart @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/k2Yklmf1Ev

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 28, 2018

As the photo went viral, Twitterati were left teary-eyed. Here are some reactions.

May God give him strength to bear this loss.🙏

— Jatinder Chhauda (@JatinderChhauda) November 28, 2018

#SalutingTheBraveheart Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad, May you be remembered with pride by the nation forever #JaiHind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

— Ajay Singh (@AjaySingh_sp) November 28, 2018

Rest in Peace Lance Naik Shri Nazir Ahmad Ji. Your selfless sacrifice for the country will never be forgotten. It is because of the brave soldiers like you we the citizens are safe and secure. Grand Salute to you. Jai Hind.🙏🇮🇳

— Vijay Kiran (@Vkiran2208) November 28, 2018

No words can describe this picture.
Only the two men in it can feel the pain and the loss.
Brother Nazir, you'll be remembered as as a hero.
May you find peace in God's arms now.
Salute! https://t.co/80a29dljLq

— A 🇮🇳 (@MoiSherni) November 28, 2018