A day after three security officers were killed in an encounter in Jammu And Kashmir's Anantnag, fresh firing and blasts took place on the site of the encounter. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said it has "encircled" two Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists in Anantnag district where three security officers were killed in an encounter a day earlier.
"In solemn tribute to the unwavering valor of Col Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak & DSP Humayun Bhat who laid down their lives leading from the front during this ongoing operation. Our forces persist with unwavering resolve as they encircle 2 LET terrorists including Uzair Khan," Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X.
The commanding officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, a major rank officer and a Deputy superintendent of police were killed in an encounter with the terrorists at Gadole in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Wednesday. According to some media reports, one of the martyrs was identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh of the 19 Rashtriya Rifle of the Indian Army. The others were identified as Major Aashish Dhonchak and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himanyun Muzamil Bhat.
The gunfight ensued when the security forces launched a counter-terrorism operation in the Gadole area of Kokernag Tehsil in Anantnag district, where terrorists were hiding, on Wednesday morning, reported PTI, quoting a police officer. School students in Jammu pay tributes to three security forces officials.
Effigies Burned, Slogans Raised As BJYM Workers Protest Over Death Of 3 Officers
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha workers held a protest and raised slogans against Pakistan in Jammu over the death of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak and DSP Humayun Bhat during an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag yesterday. Effigies were burned during the protest.
Family Members Mourn Death Of Soldiers Killed In J&K Encounter
The family members of Army officers who lost their lives in a gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag on Wednesday mourned their loss and saluted them for their valour and courage. Brother-in-law of Colonel Manpreet Singh Virender Gill said that Singh was a good man, and he was awarded the Sena Medal for his duty last year.
"We last spoke to him at 6:45 a.m. He said he would speak later. He was a good man. Last year, he was awarded the Sena Medal for his duty. I salute him," Gill told ANI.
The father-in-law of Colonel Manpreet Singh Jagdev Singh said that the family got the news of his demise last evening and that the body will reach Mohali between 4-5 pm in the evening. "We got to know it last evening...She is their daughter and she has an elder brother...He (Manpreet Singh) was awarded with Sena Medal a year ago. As per the reports, the body will reach Mohali between 4-5 pm in the evening," Singh told ANI.
The uncle of Major Ashish Dhonack said, "He had come home 1.5 months ago and was supposed to come again in October".