Martyred Allegedly By Yasin Malik, IAF Approves Inclusion Of Squadron Leader Ravi Khanna’s Name On National War Memorial

The Indian Air Force (IAF) earlier today (5 October) approved the case to include the name of Squadron Leader Ravi Khanna on the National War Memorial, ANI reports citing top IAF sources.

The IAF officer was among the four personnel allegedly killed in cold-blood by the now JKLF leader Yasin Malik on the outskirts of Srinagar.

As described by journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, on 25 January 1990 around 14 IAF officers were waiting at a bus stop in Rawalpora chowk to wait for an IAF bus to ferry them to a nearby airport.

A gypsy and a bike then arrived at the location and five terrorists armed with AK-47s and pistols opened fire at the IAF officers. Caught off-guard, the officers ducked to the ground but the terrorists claimed four victims including Squadron Leader Ravi Khanna, Corporal DB Singh, Corporal Uday Shankar and Airman Ajad Ahmed.

The terrorists later celebrated the attack at the spot and raised jihadi slogans before fleeing. Malik is accused of being the main perpetrator behind the attack.

Spread over 40 acres in the national capital, the National War Memorial is a tribute to Indian soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.