New Delhi [India], January 26 (NT): Late Air Force Commando Jyoti Prakash Nirala, who lost his battle of life in Bandipora encounter, was honored with Ashoka Chakra on the occasion of Republic Day.

President Ram Nath Kovind bestowed the award to Nirala's mother and wife.

Nirala, a dweller of Badladih area in Bihar's Rohtas district, was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora in November last year.

The award was presented during the Republic Day function which organized at Rajpath in the national capital.

Before this, On the occasion of the 69th Republic Day in India PM Narendra Modi along with the three Service Chiefs paid tribute and respects to soldiers who died in the line of duty at Amar Jawan Jyoti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also greeted the nation on his Twitter handle.

India is today celebrating the 69th Republic Day; the main function is being organized at Rajpath in the national capital where President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salute of the parade.

Under the custom to host a leader of a foreign nation as the chief guest at the parade, this year for the first time leaders of 10 ASEAN countries are the Chief Guests.. (NT)