Srinagar: The Army reported on Thursday that two additional security personnel had been hurt in new gunfire a day after three officers were killed in the ongoing Kokernag operation, while the police reported that the two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists responsible for the deaths of the officers had been encircled. To find the terrorists hidden in plain sight, the security services used large-diameter quadcopters (heavy drones), however the operation was suspended for the evening.
“Two additional troops sustained injuries during the subsequent operation. The Army said that the operation was still in process and that they were receiving medical attention.
On Thursday morning, more efforts to kill the terrorists in the Kokernag woodland were made.
Security personnel claimed to have encircled the two terrorists, who also included local LeT agent Uzair Khan.
During an encounter in the Garol forest at Kokernag in the Anantnag district on Wednesday, they claimed to have cornered the two LeT terrorists who were responsible for the deaths of Colonel Manpreet Singh, the Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Ashish Dhonchak, also from the same battalion, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Muhammad Hamayun Muzamil Bhat.
The Kashmir Zone Police posted on X, “Our forces persist with unwavering resolve as they encircle 2 LeT terrorists including Uzair Khan in solemn tribute to the unwavering valour of Col Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, and DSP Muhammad Hamayun Muzamil Bhat who laid down their lives leading from the front during this ongoing operation.”
According to official sources, a thorough search operation was under progress as additional troops from various security agencies were brought in.
“Joint parties are carrying out a combing operation in the area to nab the terrorists,” a senior security official said. “All the main thoroughfares are blocked.”
Senior Army, Police, and paramilitary personnel, according to him, were there and were keeping an eye on the counterterrorism operation.
The senior officer said, “All the exit and entrance points have been sealed.”
In the meanwhile, heavy-duty quadcopters were used to track down the terrorists.
Chetan Helicopters remained in the air over the search area for virtually the whole day.
According to a senior Army commander there, “all current technology is being used in operation to find out terrorists involved in the carrying out the attack.” There are several senior Army officers tented nearby.
The officer said that since the location was still completely dark, the operation had been called off for the evening.
“The cordon has been further tightened and at the same time the terrain is very difficult,” he added.
According to official sources, anti-terror operations had also been started in nearby regions to prevent the spread of terrorists from the location of the encounter.
