Anantnag Encounter: Army Colonel, Major, Deputy SP Martyred In Gunfight With Terrorists In J&K

Srinagar: A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday as three dedicated officers from the security forces, including an Army Colonel, paid the ultimate price in a fierce confrontation with terrorists in the Kokernag area of the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Humayun Bhat, lost their lives during the gunfight that transpired in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district.

The harrowing gunfight occurred during the intervening night between Tuesday and Wednesday when a joint operation by the police and Army was initiated to combat insurgency in the Garol village of Kokernag, situated in the southern part of Anantnag district. This operation, launched on Tuesday evening, was temporarily suspended during the night, only to be rekindled in the morning upon receiving credible intelligence suggesting the terrorists’ presence at a hideout.

The operation was meticulously executed based on specific information pinpointing the terrorists’ location within Garol. Colonel Singh, a valiant leader at the helm, led his team with unwavering determination. Tragically, he came under enemy fire, sustaining critical injuries during the exchange. It’s noteworthy that Colonel Singh was commanding the 19 RR unit of the Indian Army.

Choppers were deployed by security forces to evacuate the fallen officers’ bodies, highlighting the severity and complexity of the situation.

”I pay glorious tributes to brave hearts Col Manpreet Singh Maj Aashish Dhonchak, and DSP Humanyu, son of DIG Ghulam Hassan Bhat of Tral, for laying down their lives for the country. Our security forces are committed to rooting out terror from J&K soil and those behind the killing of today’s heroes won’t be spared. Urge top army officials and police to track down killers forthwith. Express my sympathies with the bereaved families, ” said Altaf Thakur, BJP J&K spokesman. 

TRF Claims Responsibility 

Meanwhile, the terrorist outfit TRF has claimed responsibility for the encounter via social media and said that its special squad carried out the operation. Police and other security agencies are tight-lipped about the TRF’s claim but sources said that the forest area of Kokernag where this encounter took place is connected with the Kulgam Hallen forests where terrorist outfit PAFF (People’s Anti-Fascist Front) had carried out a similar attack on Army last month on August 4, killing three soldiers. 

The Jammu and Kashmir Police had initially informed the public about the unfolding encounter through their social media platform, stating, “Encounter has started in Kokernag area of Anantnag. Officers from the Army and JKP (Jammu and Kashmir Police) were injured. Details shall follow.”

#Encounter has started in #Kokernag area of #Anantnag. Officers from Army and JKP injured. Details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) September 13, 2023

Another Terrorist Gunned Down In Rajouri

In another incident on the same day, the relentless efforts of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district resulted in the elimination of another terrorist. This marked the continuation of a firefight that had erupted a day earlier between security forces and terrorists.

Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu, reported, “The second terrorist has been gunned down in the ongoing encounter in Narla area of Rajouri.”

The previous day, during the initial encounter in the Narla area, one terrorist was neutralized, but unfortunately, a soldier lost his life in the line of duty. Three security personnel, including a Special Police Officer (SPO), were also injured in the exchange of gunfire.