Terrorist Attack in Jammu and Kashmir Claims Lives of Three Military Personnel, Including Colonel, Major, and Deputy SP
On Wednesday, officials in Srinagar reported that a tragic gunfight with Terrorist Attack in Jammu and Kashmir the elevated Kokorenag region of the valley resulted in the loss of three Army personnel. Among the fallen heroes were a commanding Colonel of a battalion, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Additionally, one soldier was reported missing in the aftermath of the encounter.
In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Wednesday morning in the Garol area of Anantnag district, three valiant individuals were critically injured during a fierce encounter with terrorists. Among those injured were Colonel Manpreet Singh, the dedicated Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat.
Despite undergoing immediate medical treatment, tragically, the injuries proved fatal, and all three officers succumbed to their wounds, marking a somber loss for the security forces. Additionally, a brave jawan also lost his life in the line of duty.
Furthermore, the whereabouts of another soldier remains uncertain, raising concerns that he may have sustained severe injuries during the intense confrontation. The situation is being closely monitored as search and rescue efforts continue to locate and provide assistance to the missing soldier.
DGP Dilbag Singh expressed his deep condolences for the courageous police and army officers who lost their lives. In a heartfelt message, he emphasized the unfortunate nature of every life lost and vowed that the individuals responsible for this heinous act would swiftly face justice.
He also expanded his sincere empathy to the grieving families who have been profoundly affected by this tragedy.
Additionally, it was revealed that Humayun Bhat, a father to a two-month-old daughter and the son of retired Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Ghulam Hasan Bhat, tragically passed away due to severe blood loss as a result of the encounter.
The banned Resistance Front, suspected to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has asserted its responsibility for the Terrorist Attack.
Authorities have reason to believe that these are the same terrorists responsible for this Terrorist Attack on army personnel on August 4, which resulted in the tragic loss of three soldiers. This prior attack occurred in the elevated Halan forest area of Kulgam district.
The operation against these terrorists was initiated in the Garol area on Tuesday evening but was subsequently suspended during the night.
This morning, following reports of a potential terrorist hideout, the pursuit of these individuals recommenced, according to officials.
Colonel Singh, leading his team from the front, engaged the terrorists in combat. Tragically, during the confrontation, he sustained critical injuries from the terrorists’ gunfire. Notably, Colonel Singh belonged to the 12th Sikh Light Infantry (LI) and had previously been honored with the Sena medal for his service.
Major Ashish Dhonack, who was part of the 15th Sikh Light Infantry (LI), along with Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat, also sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter, resulting in severe injuries, as reported by officials.
In response to the escalating situation, senior army and police officers, including Lt General Rajiv Ghai, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the 15 Corps, and DGP Dilbag Singh, promptly rushed to the scene to assess and manage the evolving circumstances.
Previously, the Jammu and Kashmir Police shared on their social media platform that an “encounter has commenced in the #Kokernag area of #Anantnag. Army and JKP officers have sustained injuries. Further details will be provided.”
Additionally, the XV Corps, based in Kashmir, provided information stating, “Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice on the night of September 12-13 in the Garol area, Anantnag. Contact was established, leading to a firefight. During this engagement, two Army personnel and one Jammu & Kashmir Police officer sustained injuries. The operation is ongoing.”
In the evening, Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, along with Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar and other senior officers, paid their respects with floral tributes to the deceased Deputy Superintendent of Police.
This tragic incident occurred just a day after an Army personnel and Kent, a six-year-old female Labrador serving in the Army’s dog unit, lost their lives. Three security personnel were also injured in a gunfight south of Pir Panjal in Rajouri, located in the Jammu region. During this encounter, two terrorists were neutralized in the remote village of Narla.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating, “Terrible, terrible news from J&K. An army colonel, a major, and a J&K Police DYSP made the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter in the Kokernag area of South Kashmir today. DySP Humayan Bhat, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Colonel Manpreet Singh laid down their lives in a confrontation with terrorists. May their souls rest in peace, and may their loved ones find strength during this difficult time.” He posted this message on social media.
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, while extending her condolences to the grieving families, emphasized that there is no place for such acts of violence in the region.
Sajad Gani Lone, the Chairman of the People’s Conference, also conveyed his condolences for the fallen heroes. Furthermore, paying tribute to the three officers who lost their lives, BJP leader Altaf Thakur affirmed the commitment of the security forces to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.
