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, 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.

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.”

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.