The Jammu and Kashmir Police today (September 14) said it has encircled two Lashkar-e-Toiba (Let) terrorists including Uzair Khan, who on Wednesday killed three security officers, in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district.
"In the Anantnag encounter, joint security forces operations is continuing against a group of 2-3 terrorists hiding there. The security forces including Army and local police are being provided support by small quadcopters and larger drones to keep an eye on the entire area. The Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Rajeev Ghai and Rashtriya Rifles’ Victor Force commander Major Gen Balbir Singh have already visited the encounter site to boost the morale of troops in operations," said Indian Army officials.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha laid a wreath and paid homage to Col Manpreet Singh and Major Aashish Dhonchak, who made supreme sacrifice in an operation against terrorists in Anantnag.
"My deepest condolences to their families. The grateful nation will forever remain indebted to the bravehearts,” the Lt Governor said.
The mortal remains of the bravehearts will be sent to their respective native places for last rites with full military honours.
In a tragic incident, an army colonel, a major and a senior police official lost their lives during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in Kashmir. Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat were killed.
Three officers were killed in a gunfight
Uzair Khan active terrorist of LeT
Uzair Ahmad Khan (28) has been an active terrorist of Let since July 2022. “In solemn tribute to the unwavering valour 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,” the Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X.
LeT terrorist Uzair Ahmad Khan
Terrorists are trapped, operation underway
As per the reports, the bodies of the colonel and major were recovered from the encounter site. The terrorists were hiding in a nomad hut when the search party reached the spot, and they targeted the officers and their escort based on a tip from sources. One AK-47 rifle, utensils, clothes, and some ammunition were recovered from the hut, which served as the terrorists' hideout in the Gadole jungles.
The Commanding Officer (CO), company commander, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) planned the operation meticulously, catching the terrorists by surprise as they approached the hideout from an unexpected and challenging route. The terrorists were cornered and resorted to indiscriminate firing, resulting in severe injuries to the three brave officers. The terrain is extremely steep, making it difficult to even stand, let alone carry any equipment or supplies. The terrorists are still trapped, and an operation is ongoing to neutralize them.
This encounter unfolded on Wednesday morning as part of a mission to locate and apprehend terrorists believed to be hiding in the Gadole area, as reported by officials. The operation against the terrorists initially commenced on Tuesday evening but was temporarily halted during the night for safety considerations. Subsequently, on Wednesday morning, authorities resumed their pursuit of the terrorists following credible information indicating their presence at a concealed location. These developments were disclosed by official sources to PTI, shedding light on the ongoing security challenges in the region.
As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.
Also Read: J&K: Army Colonel, Major and DSP killed in gunfight with terrorists in Anantnag
Also Read: Terrorist recruitment module busted in J-K's Baramulla, 3 LeT associates arrested with arms and ammunition
