Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir: The nation mourns the loss of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and DSP Humayun Bhatt, who laid down their lives in Anantnag, and the call for retribution reverberates across the country. Against this tense backdrop, security forces have initiated a special operation in Anantnag, employing an arsenal of cutting-edge technology, including Heron drones and the elite Para Commandos, to neutralize the terrorists ensconced in the mountains.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar have provided insights into the operation, expressing their unwavering commitment to eliminating the terrorists by Friday.
DGP Dilbag Singh commended the valor of the officers involved, revealing, “Even today, there has been gunfire from both sides, but our soldiers have held their ground, engaging in a firefight.”
The inaccessible terrain where the terrorists are holed up has posed challenges, but the swift and strategic actions of 10 security forces personnel have sealed the escape routes, effectively trapping the terrorists. DGP Dilbag Singh lauded their courage, stating, “The team had the option to retreat, but they chose to take the risk, displaying extraordinary bravery. We are immensely proud of our officers.”
ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar shared a broader perspective, noting that since 2019, 628 terrorists have been eliminated, with this year alone witnessing the demise of 48 terrorists, most of whom hailed from Pakistan. These statistics underscore the resurgence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and infiltration in the region.
Kumar emphasized that the terrorists are moving higher into the mountains, prompting the evacuation of the area. Following the latest exchange of gunfire, the terrorists’ positions have been pinpointed, and their elimination is imminent, slated for Friday.
As part of the operation, the Indian Army has harnessed a formidable array of weaponry. Heron drones, known for their long-range capabilities, have been deployed to surveil the mountainous terrain where the martyrs’ assailants remain concealed. The Heron Mark II drone, equipped with advanced missiles and weaponry, can continuously monitor vast regions, including areas along the China-Pakistan border, for up to 36 hours.
Para Commandos, revered for their expertise in executing high-risk missions, have been tasked with eliminating the terrorists concealed in the mountains. This elite unit of the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army is well-prepared for the mission.
The challenges posed by the mountainous terrain and dense forests in Southern Anantnag, which provide terrorists with ample cover and opportunities for ambush, have been acknowledged. Tragically, three brave soldiers fell victim to these challenges.
The operation in Anantnag is believed to be the handiwork of the same terrorist module responsible for an April attack on five Army soldiers in Poonch. While an organization called “The Resistance Front” has claimed responsibility, it is widely believed that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is behind the attack. This new terrorist module, comprising elements from both Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, has been active in the valley for six months.
The group asserts that its actions are in retaliation for the death of a Lashkar commander killed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Anantnag. Among the sought-after terrorists, Uzair Ahmed Khan Doe is the most dreaded and has been on the run since July 26, 2022.
As the nation watches, security forces remain resolute in their mission to ensure that justice is served, and the terrorists are brought to account for their heinous actions. The valor of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and DSP Humayun Bhatt continues to inspire the nation, strengthening the resolve to eliminate the threat of terrorism.
