“Bravery, sacrifice never be forgotten”: Himachal CM condoles death of officers in Anantnag encounter

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India]: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday expressed his condolences to the families of the two Indian Army personnel and one police officer who lost their lives in the encounter at Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday.

An Indian Army Colonel commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Unit along with a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were killed in a gunfight with terrorists in the Kokernag area of Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the two Indian Army and one police officer, who lost their lives in the tragic encounter with terrorists in Garol forests, Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Sukhu posted on ‘X’.

According to the officials, the officers who lost their lives in Anantnag’s encounter have been identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak and DSP Humayun Bhat.

“An Indian Army Colonel commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Unit along with a Major have lost their lives in an encounter in Anantnag with terrorists in Kashmir. The off-vet was commanding 19 RR,” Indian Army officials said.

In a message on a micro-blogging site X, Kashmir Zone Police said: “In solemn tribute to the unwavering valor 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 last rites of DSP Humayun Muzammil Bhat were performed in Budgam on Wednesday evening.