J&K political parties express condolences with families slain Army, Police officers
Web Story Desk
Srinagar, September 13: Three brave security force officers, including an exemplary Army Colonel, lost their lives during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in the southern region of Kashmir on Wednesday.
As per The Web Story, the gunfight erupted during the intervening nights of Tuesday and Wednesday after a joint team of police and army launched an anti-militancy operation at Garol village in the Kokernag area.
As the security forces entered the Garol, they came under intense fire from the concealed positions of militants, strategically ensconced amidst the dense foliage of the forest, said an official.
The official said that in the initial exchange of fire, a commanding officer of the Indian Army’s 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Manpreet Singh, was killed on the spot, and Major Ashish Dhonack and a deputy superintendent of police, Humayun Bhat, sustained critical injuries during the gunfight and tragically succumbed to their wounds later.
CO Manpreet Singh belongs to the Ropar district of Punjab, while Humayun Bhat is a resident of south Kashmir’s Tral sub-district. In 2018, Bhat’s father, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, retired as deputy inspector general of J&K police.
According to officials, the operation against the terrorists commenced on Tuesday evening in the area but had to be temporarily halted for the night. However, the pursuit of the terrorists was reignited in the morning following credible intelligence indicating their presence in a concealed location.
Colonel Singh, leading from the front, fearlessly launched an attack on the terrorists. It was during this heroic act that he sustained severe injuries after being fired upon by the terrorists.
Despite receiving prompt medical attention, his injuries proved fatal. As for Major Ashish and DSP Humayun Bhat, they too battled valiantly but unfortunately lost their lives in the line of duty.
The officials further said that three terrorists were believed to be present in the area and are hiding in the dense forest; however, the operation is still on.
Meanwhile, as per the Press Trust of India, the banned Resistance Front, believed to be a shadow group of LeT, has claimed responsibility.
The sacrifices made by these courageous officers serve as a poignant reminder of the unwavering dedication and commitment exhibited by our security forces in the face of grave danger. Their valorous actions and selfless sacrifice will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s history.
Over the course of the past three decades, the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed numerous tragic losses, with nearly a dozen commanding officers falling victim to the violence that plagues the region. This somber reality stands as a stark reminder of the perpetual struggle faced by security forces in their pursuit of peace and stability.
The loss of lives, including those of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Humayun Bhat, is a profound tragedy that has left their families, comrades, and the nation mourning their untimely demise.
Wreath Laying Ceremony in Srinagar: A solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place in Srinagar, attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, DGP Dilbagh Singh, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Bhalwal, along with numerous police, army, and CRPF officials. They paid their heartfelt tributes to the fallen DySP Humayun Bhat, laying wreaths on his tri-color-draped coffin. The poignant moment intensified as the slain DySP’s father, former DIG Ghulam Hassain Bhat, paid his respects to his departed son, offering him a final salute.
A Sorrowful Atmosphere in Humhama, Budgam: An atmosphere of deep grief descended upon Humhama in Budgam district as the body of DySP Humayun Bhat arrived at his residence in Friends Enclave. Tears welled up in the eyes of onlookers, and the air was filled with mourning cries as the coffin was brought out of the ambulance. The funeral proceedings saw the participation of DGP Dilbagh Singh, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, DG CID R Swain, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Bhalwal, SSP Budgam, and numerous other police officers. Local residents also joined in the final rites, paying their last respects to DySP Humayun.
Several leaders and senior Army personnel extended their condolences to the bereaved families.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha wrote, “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”.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the bravehearts.
“Our brave Army personnel and a DSP have made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists in an encounter at Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir. We are extremely saddened by their loss. Our deepest condolences to the families of our bravehearts. India stands united against terrorism,” he tweeted.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote: My deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in the line of duty at Anantnag today. There is no place for such abominable acts of violence.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah wished strength to families of those who lost their lives in the encounter.
“Terrible terrible news from J&K. An army colonel, a major and a J&K Police DYSP gave the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter in Kokernag area of South Kashmir today. DySP Humayan Bhat, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Colonel Manpreet Singh laid down their lives in an encounter with terrorists. May their souls rest in peace & may their loved ones find strength at this difficult time,” Omar Abdullah tweeted.
Apni Party President Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari wrote: The nation mourns the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, battling terrorists at Garol village of Kokernag area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, today. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and Deputy Superintendent of J&K Police Humayun Bhat. May Allah grant them the strength to endure this irreplaceable loss, and may the departed souls find eternal peace. I urge our security agencies to promptly bring these terrorists to justice Bukhari tweeted.
Former Congress leader and senior Kashmir politician Ghulam Nabi Azad too prayed for the souls of the martyrs.
“In the line of duty at Kokernag, we have lost today Army col. Manpreet Singh, major Ashish Dhonack and Dysp Humayan Bhat in an encounter. It is quite difficult to accept this terrible news. My heart goes out to their families who may find it difficult to gather the courage and strength to bear this loss and I also pray for the souls of the martyr’s who sacrificed for our better and secure tomorrow!,” he tweeted.
