Tragedy Strikes in Anantnag, J&K – the Brave Officers and the Call for Action**
**Introduction:**
A day of sorrow enveloped South Kashmir’s Anantnag district as we mourn the loss of three courageous security personnel who fell during an encounter with terrorists. This article pays tribute to these fallen heroes and sheds light on the protests against Pakistan that followed this tragic incident.
**The Tragic Encounter:**
In the Kokernag area of Anantnag district, a fierce encounter unfolded on a fateful Wednesday. This encounter claimed the lives of three valiant officers:
– Colonel Manpreet Singh from the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles.
– Major Ashish Dhonack of 19 RR.
– Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Muhammad Hamayun Muzamil Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
**Protests against Pakistan:**
In the wake of this tragedy, Anti-Pakistan protests ignited in various parts of Jammu city. The Panun Kashmir and the Eik Sanatam Bharat Dal (ESBD) demanded a robust operation against the terrorist network in Jammu and Kashmir. They paid homage to the fallen personnel and condemned Pakistan’s involvement in supporting terrorism in the region.
Scores of BJP youth workers, led by Jammu and Kashmir unit president Arun Prabhat, also staged a protest. They raised slogans against Pakistan and symbolically burned posters of its flags. Their message emphasized the necessity for strong action against the source of terrorism across the border.
**Demand for Action:**
The Dogra Front Shiv Sena (DFSS) workers echoed these demands, urging fresh strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). They expressed deep concern about the recent attack and stressed that such incidents could not be tolerated. While the overall security situation in the region remains stable, events like these continue to pose a significant challenge.
**Intensified Anti-Militancy Operation:**
In response to the tragic incident, security forces intensified their anti-militancy operation in Anantnag to track down the hiding militants responsible for the officers’ deaths. The Kokernag area witnessed heavy firing and loud explosions as part of this operation. The mission aimed to encircle two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) terrorists, including Uzair Khan, who had joined the militant ranks in 2022.
To maintain vigilance, drones and helicopters were deployed, and additional troops were swiftly dispatched to strengthen the cordon. The security forces exhibited unwavering determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
**Honoring the Fallen Heroes:**
Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonack were seasoned officers with expertise in counter-insurgency operations in south Kashmir. DySP Hamayun Muzamil Bhat, the son of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Hassan Bhat, had recently been posted in operations in south Kashmir.
Despite facing daunting challenges posed by the militants’ positions, the security forces continued their operations to retrieve the fallen officers. Two more soldiers sustained injuries during this heroic effort.
**A Nation Mourns:**
The entire nation mourns the loss of these brave souls. The mortal remains of Colonel Singh and Major Dhonchak were transported to their respective hometowns for their final rites, which were conducted with full military honors. J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.
**Conclusion:**
The tragic incident in Anantnag serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our security personnel in the line of duty. It also underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and resolute actions against those who seek to disrupt peace in the region. The nation stands united in mourning and resolve, honoring the memory of the fallen heroes.