SRINAGAR: Deputy Superintendent of Police Aman Thakur was killed during an encounter between security forces and holed up Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. Thakur was leading the police team from the front in the gunfight with terrorists.

When the terrorists fired upon the police party, Thakur got seriously injured in the neck.  The officer succumbed to his injuries when he was being flown to the army hospital.

Thakur was a resident of Doda district in the Jammu region and a 2011-batch JK Police Services officer. He is survived by aged parents, wife Sarla Devi and six-year-old son Arya.

 Bereaved family members of slain Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Operations Aman Thakur. PTI Photo

So great was his passion for police force that he gave up two government jobs to don the uniform. Thakur, who is in his late 30s, first got a job in the social welfare department and was later appointed as lecturer at a government college in view of him having master's degree in Zoology.

He always wanted to be in the police force and he had a passion for wearing the uniform, PTI quoted one of his close friend in the police as saying.

Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh could not hold back his emotions while recalling his various meetings with the young police officer. "He was always beaming with enthusiasm and used to lead his team from the front," PTI quoted Singh as saying.

During his tenure in the militancy-infested Kulgam district of South Kashmir, Thakur has won laurels from many quarters. "He had been heading the counter-terrorism wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police in district Kulgam from last one-and-a-half years and had played an instrumental role in killing dreaded terrorists in the area," Singh said.

 A relative paying floral tribute to DSP Aman Kumar Thakur at wreath laying ceremony. PTI Photo

Paying rich tributes to Thakur for his supreme sacrifice made in the line of duty, he said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this critical juncture." His friends recalled him for his simplicity, plain-speaking and thorough professionalism. "He was known for his determination and valour. In a short period of time, he had earned love, respect and appreciation of the locals in the area for his helpful nature and professionalism," one of the police officers recalled.

He was awarded DGP medal and commendation recently for his outstanding contribution. He was also awarded Sher-e-Kashmir Medal for Gallantry in recognition of his bravery and courage in anti-militancy operations.