• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:58 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in the forest area of Gadole in Kokernag of Jammu & Kashmir's Anantnag district entered its sixth day on Monday. What was initially believed to be 'two-three engaging security forces' has claimed the lives of three police and Army officers so far.

Colonel Manpreet Singh, commander of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit, Major Ashish Dhonak of the Indian Army, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Humayun Bhat were killed in a gunfight with the terrorists on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the deaths of the deceased officers would be avenged and those involved in it would be given a "befitting reply".

"We are committed to maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We will avenge the deaths of our soldiers. Those involved will be given a befitting reply and will have to pay a heavy price. The whole country is standing with our brave soldiers today. I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Jammu and Kashmir also want to be rid of terrorism," L-G Sinha said.

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"We all should take a pledge to defeat terrorism in the region and counter the challenges to security. The contribution of this region to creating a developed Bharat will be no less than any other state," he added.

According to reports, the officers who lost their lives last week were killed while forces attempted to ascend the hill in order to launch an attack on the terrorists.

Drones and quadcopters have been deployed by security forces to track the hidden terrorists and target suspected terrorist hideouts, the Army informed. Security forces are using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target those areas in the forest where they suspect terrorists are hiding.

(IEDs used by security forces cause an explosion on the hill atop which the terrorists are hiding)

The operation is proving to be particularly challenging for security forces as the terrorists hiding in a cave atop a hill in the forest area. The vantage point is helping the terrorists prolong the armed confrontation.