Srinagar, Sep 13: An Army Colonel, a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police were killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Gadool hamlet of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, police said.
A senior rank police officer told Rising Kashmir that three officers from Army and police were critically injured during the initial exchange of firing in the encounter. Later, they succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, he said.
The slain have been identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish and DSP of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat.
A joint team of the J&K Police and the Army had launched an operation in Gadool forest of Kokernag, in Anantnag district, on Tuesday evening following inputs about the movement of terrorists in the area.
On Wednesday morning, the search party, led by the senior officers, came under heavy fire, leaving the three officers critically injured. They were airlifted to Srinagar, where they succumbed to their injuries.
“The operation against the terrorists began on Tuesday evening. This morning, the hunt for the terrorists resumed after information started trickling that they were spotted at a hideout,” he said.
The police spokesman informed that officers from army and police were injured in an encounter. “Encounter has started in Kokernag area of Anantnag. Officers from Army and JKP were injured. Details shall follow,” he said.
Earlier top officials from Police and army including GOC 15 Corp, DG JK, ADGP Kashmir rushed to the encounter site after fierce gunfight in south Kashmir.
GOC 15 Corps Rajiv Ghai, DGP Dilbagh Singh, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar along with other top officials reached the gunfight site to personally monitor the operation.
Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified search operation in the area to trace the terrorists involved in the exchange of fire.
He said search parties were zeroing in near the suspected location, the hiding terrorists opened fire at them who retaliated, triggering a gunfight.
“We have cordoned the area and all roads leading to the encounter site have been sealed. Currently firing is stopped from both sides,” he said.
The officer said the operation is underway, more troops have arrived and the cordon has been further tightened.
About the number of terrorists trapped, the police officer said two local terrorists are believed to be trapped inside the target house. We have installed more lights in the area, he said.
The official said all SOPs will be followed including the installation of more lights, multiple layer cordon, etc.
Defence PRO, Chinar Corps said based on specific intelligence on presence of terrorists a Joint Operation was launched by Indian Army & Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of Sep 12-13 in Area Garol, Anantnag.
“Contact established and a firefight ensued. Two Army personnel and one J&K Police personnel injured.Operation in progress,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officers of police and civil admin pay tribute to DSP killed in Anantnag encounter.
“I salute the courage and supreme sacrifice of Army’s braveheart Rifleman Ravi who laid down his life in the line of duty in Rajouri. His selfless service to the nation will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the martyr,” he said in his message.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the J&K Police Pariwar DGP J&K Dilbag Singh has condoled the martyrdom of the braveheart officers of J&K Police and Army in an encounter at Gadool, Kokernag, Anantnag.
In his message, the DGP has stated that he was deeply saddened by the terrible loss of three young bravehearts Col. Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack of 19 RR & DySP Humayun Muzamil Bhat son of retired IG of J&K Police Ghulam Hassan Bhat.
The DGP said that any loss of life is unfortunate, adding that perpetrators of the criminal act would be brought to justice soon. The DGP extended his sympathies with the bereaved families adding that the whole of J&K Police Force is at the beck and call of the NoK of martyrs.
