In a tragic incident, three dedicated officers from the security forces, including a respected army colonel, lost their lives during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in Kashmir. 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 banned Resistance Front, suspected to be an underground faction affiliated with LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba), has boldly asserted responsibility for the attack, according to information provided in a report by PTI.
The three officers, namely Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat, sustained critical injuries during the intense gunfight and were promptly airlifted to Srinagar for immediate medical attention. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, all three officers succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment, as confirmed by officials.
Colonel Singh exhibited exemplary leadership by personally engaging with the terrorists on the frontlines. Regrettably, during this courageous confrontation, he sustained critical injuries that ultimately proved fatal. Furthermore, the Deputy Superintendent, Humayun Bhat, tragically lost his life due to significant blood loss incurred during the operation.
The operation against the terrorists initially commenced on Tuesday evening but was temporarily halted during the night for safety considerations. Subsequently, this 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.
A top police officer told that during intial exchange of fire one army officer and a police officer received bullet wound injury. Both have been immediately shifted to nearby hospital for treatment. As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.
A senior police officer also confirmed to GNS about exchange of firing between terrorists and security forces.
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