Srinagar, Aug 11 : The death toll in the overnight operation in Kokernag forest area of Anantnag district has risen to three, following the death of one of the two civilians injured in the encounter.
Abdul Rashid Dar, who was wounded in the firing, died at a hospital early today. The gunfight, which took place in the Ahlan Gagarmandu forest area, resulted in the injuries to two Army personnel and an equal number of civilians. The Army personnel later succumbed to injuries. The soldiers have been identified as Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma.
The operation, initiated based on intelligence reports of militant activity in the remote forest area, continued despite the challenging terrain. The firefight began last evening during a cordon and search operation.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir VK Birdi today said they are investigating as to how the two civilians, among whom one succumbed and the other injured under treatment, were near the encounter site in Kokernag forest area of Anantnag district.
Speaking to reporters, Birdi said that upon observation of movement of foreign militants, the security forces launched an operation, following which an intense exchange of gunfire ensued.
“In the ensuing gunfight, two Army men sustained critical injuries and both of them succumbed later while another is undergoing treatment and is stable,” he said.
Regarding the death of a civilian and injuries to another, Birdi said that they are investigating as to how these civilians were close to the militant group that too in higher reaches.
When asked about the number of militants engaged, the IGP said that no actual number of militants is known as of now, but it is speculated that there may be some three to four militants there.
To a query about the militants having arrived from Doda, the police officer said that it is too premature to comment on this, but we can’t even rule out this also.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of Army have paid tribute to two soldiers.
Army expressed its deepest condolences and reaffirmed its support for the bereaved families during this period of grief.
Rajnath Singh also conveyed his profound sadness, stating: “Deeply saddened at the loss of our brave and fearless Indian Army soldiers in a counter-terrorist operation in Kokernag, Anantnag (J&K). My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Nation stands firmly with them, in this hour of grief.”
