J&K: What We Know So Far About The Encounter In Anantnag That Killed Three Security Forces' Personnel

In a security operation against terrorists in the Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Anantnag district, three security personnel, including an Indian Army Colonel, were killed.

Army Officer Colonel Manpreet Singh, killed in the operation, served as the commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles battalion stationed in the area.

Along with Colonel Manpreet, Army Major Ashish Dhonak and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Humayun Bhat were also killed in the operation.

The security operations began in the intervening nights of 12-13 September, following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of two Pakistan-based terrorists in the Gadool hamlet of Anantnag's Kokernag area.

The security forces, comprising the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police, initiated an operation code-named Operation Garol in the area and established contact with the two terrorists.

The operation was temporarily halted during the night but resumed in the morning of 13 September.

The two terrorists holed up in the area are believed to be from the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Among the encircled terrorists, one is a local LeT terrorist named Uzair Khan.

Following the deaths of the three officers, the operation was temporarily halted.

Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps — the corps commanding the entire Indian Army forces in the valley, along with Director General of JKP Dilbag Singh, also visited the area.

According to reports, the operation has been resumed to flush out the terrorists.

The last rites of DSP Humayun Bhat were conducted last night in Budgam, with a large number of people in attendance.

J&K's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences on Bhat's demise, stating, "I paid tribute to JKP's DySP Humayun Bhat, who laid down his life in an anti-terror operation in Anantnag. I salute the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of Col Manpreet Singh & Major Ashish Dhonack. The entire nation stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief."