Colonel, Major among 5 killed in encounter at J&K’s Handwara, 2 terrorists dead

at 10:36 am
Shopian encounter
File Photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): An Army Colonel, a Major, two soldiers and a J&K police sub-inspector lost their lives in an overnight gunbattle at Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district while two terrorists were also killed in the gunfight, Army officials said today.

A deadly encounter broke out at Changimul area of Handwara late last evening between terrorists and the security forces after joint teams of the forces laid a siege in the area on the basis of a specific lead about the presence of the ultras hiding there.

Defence Spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia told NVI that a joint operation was launched by Army and Police, based on an intelligence input that militants had taken as hostages some civilian inmates of a house in Changimul.

“A team comprising five army and JK police officers entered the house and to evacuate the civilians. However, during the process, the team was subjected to heavy volume of firefight. Two militants were killed,” Colonel Kalia said. He said that in the ensuing encounter, security forces personnel comprising two Army officers (a Colonel and a Major) two soldiers and one JK police sub-inspector were killed.

At the encounter site in Handwara this morning. (Photo via arrangement)

Defence sources said that the bodies of two militants have been recovered from the site of encounter. The bodies of slain Army officers, soldiers and J&K police cop have also been retrieved.

Senior police officials said that a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander from Pakistan was among the two terrorists killed in the encounter. Identified as Haider, the LeT commander had sneaked into this side of the LoC in 2017 and was heading a Lashkar module in north Kashmir.

The two martyred officers are Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, a gallantry award winner, and Major Anuj Sood.

Colonel Ashutosh was a decorated officer and an expert in jungle warfare.

Colonel Ashutosh was immensely respected for his quick response to emergencies. A brave Army officer, he once killed a terrorist in a public place at a distance of 5 meters on road in a near hand to hand combat. He was also an expert in jungle warfare.

Colonel Ashutosh Sharma had once killed a terrorist at a public place in a close hand to hand combat.
Major Anuj Sood also lost his life in the encounter, along with two soldiers. The whole team was led by Colonel Ashutosh.

The two deceased soldiers have been identified as Naik Rajesh and Lance Naik Dinesh, while the slain J&K policeman has been identified as Sub-inspector Shakeel Qazi.

J&K Police Sub-inspector Shakeel Qazi.

The operation was started by Army’s 15 and 21 RR regiments yesterday as the para commandos of 9 Para regiment were also rushed to the spot. A house where militants were hiding was also damaged in the gunfight.

The Handwara encounter has been the deadliest in the recent past where security forces suffered heavy causalities. This year, security forces eliminated over 50 militants of which 34 have been killed since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kashmir.

Wreath laying ceremony of slain Army personnel and J&K cop held in Handwara today.

Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony of the slain Army personnel and J&K cop was held at battalion headquarters of 30 RR, based in Langate, Handwara today. All senior officers of Police, Army and CRPF participated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the slain soldiers and security personnel.
“Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends,” he said in a tweet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled their deaths. “I offer my tributes to the soldiers and security personnel who fell in action. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones today. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of these brave martyrs,” he tweeted.

Army Chief General MM Naravane also paid tribute to the martyrs. “General M M Naravane #COAS and all ranks of #IndianArmy pay tributes to the valiant braves of our Army and J&K Police for their supreme sacrifice while fighting and eliminating terrorists in #Handwara,” the Indian Army tweeted through its official handle.


“This operation exemplified true tradition and strong determination of the #SecurityForces to safeguard the lives of own citizens. The Commanding Officer leading from the front along with others is testimony to the motto of Service before Self,” the Army said in another tweet.

Former Army Chief and Union Minister, General (Retd) VK Singh also expressed condolences over the death of Army personnel in the operation. “Proud of Col Ashutosh Sharma, Sena Medal Bar-twice decorated, CO 21 RR, who led Maj Anuj Sood,21 RR
NK Rajesh,21 RR LNK Dinesh,21 RR Shakeel Qazi, JKP in #Handwara to rescue civilians Team made the ultimate sacrifice. Shall always be grateful for your service & sacrifice #JaiHind,” he tweeted.

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