J-K Encounter: Four Security Personnel, A Dog Lay Down Their Lives For Country; Know About The Bravehearts

Jammu and Kashmir Encounter: Three Army personnel, one police officer and a six-year-old canine were killed during gunfights with terrorists in the valley in the past couple of days. Colonel Manpreet Singh, Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat were killed in the gunfight with terrorists that ensued in the Garol area of Anantnag district on Wednesday morning while Army Rifleman Ravi Kumar sacrificed his life during an encounter at Narla in the Rajouri district. The three officers succumbed to their injuries during the treatment.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police, Humayun Bhat, was the son of retired Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Ghulam Hasan Bhat and was father to a two-month-old daughter. He died due to heavy blood loss after his injury, officials said. His last rites were performed on Wednesday evening in the valley's Budgam area. 

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid his tributes to Bhat and expressed grief over the death of the officers in the encounter. 

ALSO READ: Nipah Virus In Kerala; Five Confirmed Cases So Far

Colonel Manpreet Singh was the Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles. He belonged to the 12th Sikh Light Infantry and was shot while he was leading his team from the front. On Independence Day, 2021, Singh was decorated with the Sena medal for heroism in counterterror operations. 

#WATCH | Panchkula, Haryana: Jagdev Singh, father-in-law of Colonel Manpreet Singh, who lost his life during an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag yesterday says, "We got to know it last evening...She is their daughter and she has an elder brother...He (Manpreet Singh) was… pic.twitter.com/ULMppcs2gm

— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2023

Major Ashish Dhonchak belonged to the 15th Sikh Light Infantry. A Few weeks ago on the occasion of Independence Day, 2023, he was awarded the Sena Medal for heroism in counterterror operations. 

Army Rifleman Ravi Kumar lost his life during an encounter with terrorists at Narla in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on September 12. On Wednesday a wreath laying ceremony was held for the braveheart. 

ALSO READ: Centre Releases Tentative List Of Agendas For Parliament's Five-Day Special Session 

"White Knight Corps salutes the supreme sacrifice of Rifleman Ravi during OP SUJALIGALA in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His unwavering dedication and service to our nation will always be remembered," the Army said in a statement. 

Army personnel pay their respects during the last rite ceremony of Kent. (Photo credit: ANI)

Kent, the six-year-old female labrador belonging to the 21 Army Dog Unit laid down her life while she was leading a group of soldiers on the trail of escaping terrorists. She made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting her handler during the encounter in Rajouri. In an official statement the Army said that Kent was at the forefront of 'Operation Sujaligala'.