Anantnag terror operation: As the hunt for the terrorists hiding in the Garole forests of Kokernag in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag continuess, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the deaths of soldiers in the operation will be avenged, and terrorists will be given a befitting response.
In a tragic incident, the officers Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat and a soldier were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists September 13.
'Terrorists will have to pay a heavy price'
Speaking at the event titled ‘Hum Sab Ek Hai’ at SKICC, Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor stated that every drop of the martyrs' blood will be avenged, and terrorists will have to pay a heavy price. "We are committed to maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We have complete faith in the bravery of our soldiers and I want to assure that every drop of blood will be avenged with interest. Those involved will be given a befitting reply and will have to pay a heavy price. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the jawans. I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Jammu and Kashmir also want to be rid of terrorism," LG Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the attack on security forces in Anantnag was a manifestation of the frustration within the terrorist ranks due to the success of the G20 Summit and the crackdown on those who profit from conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. “Successful conduct of the G20 Summit and reining in of conflict profiteers has frustrated the terrorists who at the behest of Pakistan attacked the Army and police officers recently. Our jawans made the supreme sacrifice to protect the unity and integrity of the country. I bow before their sacrifice,” he said.
'Time had come to end terrorism'
Sinha said that everyone should take a pledge to defeat terrorism in the region and counter the challenges to security. "The time had come to end terrorism and the ecosystem that has suppressed the common man in Jammu and Kashmir. If we do not do it now, maybe the future generations will regret it. We have been successful to a large extent but for complete success, it is necessary that the youth and citizens of Jammu and Kashmir stand in solidarity with this campaign,” he added.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also attended the event, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will account for every drop of blood and the terrorists will be given a befitting reply. “It is an unfortunate incident. Our jawans, be it police or the Army, put their lives at risk to protect our borders. That is how we are able to celebrate our festivals and move on with our lives. Every citizen of the country condemns this incident and so do I. PM Narendra Modi will account for every drop of blood and the terrorists will be given a befitting reply,” Shinde told reporters after attending a function in Srinagar.
Anantnag terror operation
The encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district is ongoing as the search for two hiding militants continues in the Kokernag area. The security forces have cordoned off the entire region and are tracking each and every movement of the two terrorists who are yet to be neutralised. Top police officials said that terrorists have been encircled at one area near the natural cave-turned-hideout.
At least three terrorists have been killed in the security operation. According to reports, two more terrorists are hiding in the mountains of Gadole forests in the Kokernag area of Anantnag. Sources said terrorist movements are being noticed in drone cameras, these two terrorists are still alive or injured and returning army's fire. Security forces have tracked their movements using drone surveillance and tried to burn the location. Meanwhile, the bodies of three terrorists have been spotted and located.
(With agencies input)
