The Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have resumed the operation against terrorists in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, a day after two Army officials and a senior police officer were killed in encounter.
Colonel Manpreet Singh, CO 19 RR (12 Sikh Light Infantry), Major Ashish Dhonack and DySP Humayan Bhat were killed in the operations that happened in the Kokernag area of the Anantnag district on Wednesday.
As per the latest report from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, they have managed to encircle two Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists. "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.
#WATCH | J&K | Visuals from the Kokernag area of Anantnag where an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists, yesterday.
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2023
(Visuals deferred by unspecified time)
Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak & DSP Humayun Bhat lost their lives during this ongoing… pic.twitter.com/oapoH7bUlQ
The banned Resistance Front, believed to be a shadow group of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, the last rites of DSP Humayun Muzammil Bhat were performed in Budgam on Wednesday evening. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief over the death of the officers in the encounter.
"Paid tributes to JKP's DySP Humayun Bhat, who laid down his life in an anti-terror operation in Anantnag. I salute the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of Col Manpreet Singh & Major Ashish Dhonack. Entire nation stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief," LG’s office said in a post on the social media platform, X.
Meanwhile, the relatives of Colonel Manpreet Singh said the deceased officer's mortal remains will reach Mohali on Thursday evening. "We got to know it last evening. Colonel 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," father in law Jagdev Singh told ANI. His relatives last spoke to him on Wednesday morning.
Major Dhonack belonged to 15th Sikh LI and was hit by bullets resulting in critical injuries. His was posted from Meerut to Jammu only two years ago and hails from Panipat. He leaves behind a two-year-old daughter. He was also awarded the Sena Medal this year.
