On September 13, 2023, two brave Indian Army officers, Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonak, and a Jammu and Kashmir Police officer, Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat, were martyred in an Anantnag encounter with terrorists in Kokernag, Anantnag district. The operation, which lasted for over 24 hours, resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists.
The encounter began when security forces received intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Gadole area of Kokernag. A joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to flush out the terrorists.
The terrorists were hiding in a dense orchard, and they opened fire on the security forces as soon as they were surrounded. A fierce gunfight ensued, and Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, and Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat were martyred while leading the operation from the front.
Despite the loss of their brave comrades, the security forces continued to fight relentlessly. After a grueling 24-hour battle, the two terrorists were finally neutralized.
The Martyred Officers in Anantnag Encounter
- Colonel Manpreet Singh was a decorated officer from the 19th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. He was a native of Mohali, Punjab, and was married with two children. Colonel Manpreet Singh was known for his bravery and leadership skills. He had participated in several successful counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Major Ashish Dhonak was a young and promising officer from the 19th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. He was a native of Haryana and was married with one child. Major Ashish Dhonak was known for his dedication and commitment to duty. He had made several sacrifices in the line of duty and had been decorated with the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery.
- Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat was a brave and dedicated officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. He was a native of Anantnag district and was married with two children. Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat was known for his professionalism and his commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He had played a key role in several successful counter-terrorism operations in the region.
The Anantnag Encounter – A Detailed Account
On the morning of September 13, 2023, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to flush out terrorists hiding in a dense orchard in the Gadole area of Kokernag, Anantnag district.
The security forces surrounded the orchard and began to close in on the terrorists. The terrorists opened fire on the security forces, and a fierce gunfight ensued.
Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, and Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat were leading the operation from the front. They displayed immense courage and bravery in the face of heavy enemy fire.
Colonel Manpreet Singh was martyred while leading a charge on the terrorist positions. Major Ashish Dhonak was martyred while providing cover fire to his comrades. Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat was martyred while attempting to rescue a wounded colleague.
Despite the loss of their brave comrades, the security forces continued to fight relentlessly. After a grueling 24-hour battle, the two terrorists were finally neutralized.
The Aftermath of the Encounter
The Anantnag Encounter was a major success for the security forces. The neutralization of the two terrorists dealt a major blow to the terrorist networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
The martyred officers were hailed as heroes for their supreme sacrifice. Their courage and dedication to duty will inspire future generations to serve the nation with pride.
Conclusion
The Anantnag Encounter was a tragic reminder of the sacrifices that our brave security personnel made to keep us safe. Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, and Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat were true heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. We will never forget their sacrifice.
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