Srinagar, Sep 15: In the ongoing operation to eliminate terrorists in the dense forests of Kokernag, Anantnag, another soldier who had been missing since Thursday has been found dead. This tragic recovery has brought the death toll in the Anantnag encounter to four, including three senior officers.
A senior Army officer confirmed that the body of soldier, who had been missing since Wednesday during the gunfight with terrorists, has been recovered from the encounter sit. However, they are yet to reveal the identity of the slain jawan.
“During the joint security operation, we used grenade launchers on suspected terrorist hideout locations using drones. 2-3 terrorists are hiding in the forests and they have been surrounded by security forces in Kokarnag forest,” he said.
The officer said that para commandos have also been deployed to eliminate terrorists. Three explosions were heard from the encounter area in the early hours of Friday and it continued till late evening.
He said presently firing was going on from both sides throughout the night. Additional 20 companies of forces were sent to the area to search for the terrorists hiding in the dense forests and movement is being monitored closely by helicopters.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar said that retired Police and Army officers should avoid “ Ambush Hypothesis”.
“It is a specific input based operation. Ops is in progress and all 2-3 trapped terrorists will be neutralised,” he said.
Defence Public Relations Officer, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal told Rising Kashmir that both GOC 15 Corps and GOC Victor Force are closely monitoring the operations.
“Terrorists will not be spared. All new generation weapons and devices being used Drones including Herons pressed into action, he said.
Army Commander Northern Command Lt. Gen Upendra Dwivedi, & All Ranks NorthernCommand offer tribute to supreme sacrifice of Col Manpreet Singh, SM and Maj Aashish Dhonchak, SM of 19 RR Bn who laid down their lives in the line of duty while leading from the front in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, on 13 Sep 23, while fighting terrorists in Operation Garol, Anantnag.
Earlier in the operation, Colonel Manpreet Singh, commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Army, Major Ashish Dhonchak, Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat and a soldier were killed in Gadole area of Kokernag area.
The gunfight broke out early Wednesday morning after the army and the police launched a joint operation to hunt down terrorists in the dense forests of Kokernag.
