Srinagar, : Army colonel, a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were killed in an encounter with militants in Kokernag area in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, officials said.
They said that based on specific information about the presence of militants, a joint team of Police and the army launched a search and cordon operation in Gadole Kokernag.
As the joint team was moving towards the target area, militants opened indiscriminate in which an army colonel, major, soldier besides DySP of Police were injured.
Later, the Colonel, Major and the DysP succumbed to their injuries, a senior police officer told GNS.
DySP Humayun Bhat was the son of former DIG Ghulam Hassan Bhat. Also one more soldier died in the gunfight but there was no official confirmation till this report was filed.
The police officer said the operation is going on and further reinforcement of Police and army have been rushed to the spot.
Kashmir-based XV corps said that that based on specific intelligence on presence of militants a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and JKP on the intervening night of 12-13 Sep in Area Garol, Anantnag.
“Contact established and firefight ensued. Two Army personnel and one J&K Police personnel injured. Operation in progress.”
In the evening, Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar along with other senior officers paid floral tributes to the slain DySP.
Meanwhile Nation Conference, PDP and other politicians offered condolences.
National Conference Party President and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah have expressed grief and anguish over the demise of DySP Humayun Bhat, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Colonel Manpreet Singh who laid down their lives in the line of duty in an encounter in Kokernag area of District Anantnag, according to statement to GNS.
While condemning the killings in unequivocal terms, the duo said that such attacks inflict unbearable pain and suffering on our nation and undermine peace and stability in the area. They offered heartfelt condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for peace to departed souls.
Among others Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, party Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, MP Hasnain Masoodi have also condemned the killings in unequivocal terms and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said there was no place for such acts of violence.
People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone also condoled the death of the bravehearts. (GNS)
