A day after three security officials including two decorated Army officers were killed in an encounter with terrorists, a massive operation was launched by troops in the thick forested area of Gadole, Kokernag in Anantnag district on the second day on Thursday. The troops used drones and helicopters and new general weapons and devices to track the movement of Lashkar terrorists involved in the killing of three security officials.
Police said two militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba, including a local Uzair Khan, who had joined militancy in July last year, have been encircled by security men in Gadole, Kokernag during the ongoing operation.
“ In solemn tribute to the unwavering valor of Col Manpreet Singh,Major Ashish Dhonak & DSP Humayun Bhat who laid down their lives leading from the front during this ongoing operation. Our forces persist with unwavering resolve as they encircle 2 LET terrorists including Uzair Khan," police posted on X today.
The operation, which was halted overnight, was resumed in the early hours today. More troops have been rushed to the area to ensure that no militant managed to escape the cordon.
The sporadic gunfire and explosions could be heard from the forest area during the day.
There was no report of any militant causality today.
An army official said GoC 15 Corps and GoC Victor Force were closely monitoring the operation.
“The terrorists will not be spared and all new generation weapons and devices are being used to locate hiding terrorists,” he said adding drones including herons have been pressed into action to find and neutralize the hiding terrorists.
In the initial gunfight yesterday, three officers identified Colonel Manpreet Singh, Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, his company commander Major Aashish Dhonchak- also from the 19 RR, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzamil Bhat, were killed yesterday.
Both the army officers were decorated with Sena Medal for their bravery in anti-militancy operations. While Singh was awarded the medal in 2021 when he was Lt Colonel with the same battalion, Dhonchak was awarded only last month on August 15.
Army said both its officers were leading from the front.
Security forces airlifted the bodies of Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchak from the encounter site today. The bodies of Singh and Dhonchak were airlifted from Kokernag to Army’s 92 Base Hospital in Badamibagh Cantonment in Srinagar.
“#ChinarCorps salutes the valour & 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 and leading from the front in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, on 13 Sep 23, while fighting terrorists in Operation Garol, Anantnag. Operation still in progress,” Srinagar based Chinar Corps wrote on X.
Col Manpreet Singh was 41 years old and had joined Army in 2005. He is resident of Panchkula, Haryana.
Maj Aashish Dhonchak was 34 years old and had joined Indian Army in 2013. He is resident of Panipat, Haryana.
The mortal remains of Col Manpreet Singh and Maj Aashish Dhonchak were transported by a special aircraft for last rites to their native hometowns where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.
“In this hour of grief, the Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity, safety and well being,” defence spokesman said..
Top security officials said there could be possibility that joint forces might have been lured into the forest area and later ambushed while climbing a hillock. The evacuation of the officers could not take place in time due to the terrain and fierce exchange of fire on Wednesday, they said.
This is the second time in over three year that the Army lost a Commanding Officer during any anti militancy operation.
Earlier in May 2020, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma who was commanding the 21 RR was killed along with a Major, two jawans and a police officer in a gunfight in north Kashmir’s Handwara district.