Militants Killed in gunfight identified, buried in Sheeri Baramulla
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others leaders offered condolences
Kupwara 03 May (KNB): Army Colonel, Major and two soldiers along with a sub-inspector of J&K police were killed in a gunfight that broke out on Saturday with militants in Chanjimulla Handwara area North Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Two Militants were also Killed in a gunfight.
According to Kashmir News Bureau reports, A Joint operation was by Army , Police along with CRPF after the specific inputs of presence of militants in the area, which triggered an Encounter.
Sources said to KNB that, Army colonel namely Ashtoush Sharma, Major Anup Sood along with two soldiers and sub inspector of JK Police namely Mohammad Sagier Qazi were very close to the house where heavy armed militants were holed up.
Army persons who lost their lives in the Handwara operation include Major Anuj Sood, Naik Rajesh and Lance Naik Dinesh.
The Two militants Killed in Handwara Encounter were identified as Asif Reshi son of Mohammad Sultan Reshi of Gund Chabootra Handwara and Hyder alias Iqbal, a resident of Pakistan.
The operations in Handwara highlight the determination of the forces to protect the lives of people of India,” said Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat.
“Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends.” tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“I offer my tributes to the soldiers and security personnel who fell in action. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones today. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of these brave martyrs. Tweets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
In this deadly gunfight, a sub inspector of Jammu and Kashmir police was also killed.
“J&K Police pays heartfelt tribute to martyrs Col Ashutosh Sharma,CO 21 RR,Major Anuj,Sub Insp.Sageer Ahmad Qazi,L.Naik Dinesh,Naik Rajesh for supreme sacrifices in line of duty in encounter with terrorists at Chanjmulla, Handwara.Nation will remember you heroes for times to come,” tweets J&K Police
However, during the process, the team was subjected to heavy volume of fire by the militants. In the ensuing firefight, two militants were killed and the team of five army and JK personnel, comprising two Army officers, two Army soldiers and one JK Police Sub Inspector, were also killed in a gunfight” the army official statement said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chanjmulla area of Handwara in the north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday following inputs about the presence of militants there, a police official said.
He said the security forces maintained a tight cordon and conducted searches in the area.
However, contact with militants was established on Saturday evening and an encounter ensued, the official said.(KNB)