Li Nalas was a leader of one of Bajor's many resistance cells during the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor, and a revered war hero.
Li earned his reputation by slaying the infamous Gul Zarale in an intense duel. In reality, he had stumbled across the bathing Cardassian and was forced to shoot him. The story was told and retold among the Bajoran population until it was transformed into a gripping tale of patriotic courage. Li later confided with Commander Benjamin Sisko that he had always felt uncomfortable for being an accidental hero.
Li Nalas' career as a resistance fighter ended with his capture in 2360. He was presumed dead until 2370, when he was rescued from the Hutet labor camp on Cardassia IV by Major Kira Nerys of the Bajoran Militia.
Shortly after his return to Bajor, Li was given both the honorary title of Navarch and Kira's position as Bajoran Liaison Officer onboard Deep Space Nine, much to his embarrassment.
His rescue proved to be just in the nick of time, as he was able to play a pivotal role in preventing a disastrous coup d'etat orchestrated by the Alliance for Global Unity. However, he was killed after foiling the coup by Colonel Day, and as a result, became a hero both in legend and reality.