Indore: Following the tragic loss of four soldiers, including two senior-ranking officers, in separate encounters with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister General (retd.) VK Singh strongly urged the international community to isolate Pakistan and increase pressure on them to combat cross-border terrorism.
Notably, a Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police also made the ultimate sacrifice during the firefight with terrorists in the Valley. An Indian Army Colonel leading a Rashtriya Rifles Unit, accompanied by a Major and the DSP of Jammu and Kashmir Police, laid down their lives during an ongoing encounter in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in Kashmir.
The skirmish, which began on Wednesday, continued into Thursday. During an interview with the news agency ANI on Thursday, the Union Minister emphasized that normal bilateral relations with Pakistan cannot be restored until Pakistan changes its behaviour.
“In light of cross-border terrorism, we must consider our approach. Unless we globally isolate Pakistan, they will continue to engage in acts of terror along the border. To apply pressure, we must persuade the international community to isolate them. They must understand that normal relations cannot resume until they mend their ways,” added the former Army chief.
The courageous security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in these encounters were identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack, and DSP Humayun Bhat.
Additionally, security forces successfully neutralized two terrorists in an encounter that was initiated in the Narla area of Rajouri district on Tuesday. During the encounter on Wednesday evening, security forces recovered warlike materials and medicines bearing markings from Pakistan.
In Patiala, the home of thirty-four-year-old Major Dhonack, three sisters grieve the loss of their only brother. Major Dhonack’s uncle, whose nephew was awarded the Sena Medal in August this year, recalled their last conversation, mentioning that Major Dhonack had visited home one and a half months ago and was scheduled to return in October to relocate.
Tributes have poured in from across the country for the three soldiers. The J&K Lieutenant Governor’s office expressed their condolences, stating, “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. The entire nation stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief.”
Congress president Malikarjun Kharge also extended his condolences, saying, “Our brave Army personnel and a DSP have made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists in an encounter at Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir. We are extremely saddened by their loss. Our deepest condolences to the families of our bravehearts.” Kharge emphasized that India stands united against terrorism.
