Srinagar: Security forces on Thursday carried out an airlift operation to transport the mortal remains of Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonack from the site of the encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The tragic incident occurred a day earlier when they, along with a Deputy Superintendent of Police, lost their lives during a confrontation with terrorists.
The bodies of Colonel Singh and Major Dhonack were transported from Kokernag to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital in the Badamibagh Cantonment here, as reported by news agency PTI, citing officials.
Authorities have announced that high-ranking Army, police, and civil administration officials will pay their final respects to these brave officers before their mortal remains are sent to their respective hometowns for the last rites.
It’s important to note that in the ongoing encounter in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district, a Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police also made the ultimate sacrifice. An Indian Army Colonel commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Unit, along with a Major and the DSP of Jammu and Kashmir Police, laid down their lives during this operation.
The firefight, which began on Wednesday, extended into Thursday. Addressing the situation, a Union Minister stated that restoring normal bilateral relations with Pakistan is contingent upon improved behaviour on their part.
The gallant security personnel who lost their lives in these encounters have been identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack, and DSP Humayun Bhat.
Union Minister V K Singh Calls For Global Isolation Of Pakistan
Meanwhile, in response to the 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 intensify pressure on them to combat cross-border terrorism.
General VK Singh emphasized the need to address cross-border terrorism effectively and conveyed that unless Pakistan faces global isolation, it may continue to support and instigate terrorism. He stressed that Pakistan must understand that normal diplomatic ties can only be restored when they demonstrate responsible behaviour.
Two Terrorists Eliminated In Rajouri Encounter
During the ongoing encounter that commenced in the Narla area of Rajouri district on Tuesday, security forces successfully neutralized two terrorists. It was reported that they also recovered warlike materials and medicines with markings from Pakistan during a search operation on Wednesday evening.
Families Mourn The Loss Of Heroes; Tributes Flow In
At the age of thirty-four, Major Dhonack’s family in Patiala grieves the loss of their only brother. His uncle shared that he had recently spoken to him on the phone and was expecting him to return home in October to relocate houses. Major Dhonack was honoured with the Sena Medal in August this year.
Tributes from across the nation poured in for these three brave soldiers. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s office expressed its condolences and paid tribute to DySP Humayun Bhat, Col Manpreet Singh, and Major Ashish Dhonack for their indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice in combating terrorism in Anantnag. Congress president Malikarjun Kharge also conveyed deep sadness and solidarity, emphasizing India’s unity against terrorism.
