Indian Army honors 'Pir Panjal' hero Tahir Chaudhary

Tahir Fazal Chaudhary, a local figure known as 'Bahadur-e-Hill Kaka' for his role in supporting Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir, has died at age 62. He passed away from a heart attack in Uttarakhand on April 22, 2026, and was honored with full military honors by the 16 Rashtriya Rifles. Chaudhary returned from Saudi Arabia in 2002 after his brother was killed by militants and formed the 'Pir Panjal Scouts' to work with Indian special forces. During Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003, his local knowledge was critical in helping troops locate and dismantle militant hideouts, leading to over 80 terrorist casualties.