This heart-wrenching incident marks the most fatal attack on security forces in the Valley this year, even though the overall number of such incidents has seen a decline in recent months.
According to officials, the tragic encounter unfolded as a result of a joint operation launched by the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles and the local police. Acting on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists, the operation commenced during the intervening night of September 12-13 in Garol.
In a statement on social media, the Army revealed, "Based on specific intelligence on the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & JmuKmrPolice on the intervening night of 12-13 Sep in Area Garol, Anantnag. Contact was established, and firefight ensued. Two Army personnel and one J&K Police personnel were injured."
However, sources suggest that this might have been an ambush, with reports indicating the involvement of three to four well-trained terrorists in the attack.
As the joint teams closed in on the militant hideout after midnight, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists, resulting in injuries to the officers and soldiers involved in the operation.
Upon learning of the injuries sustained by the three senior officers, additional reinforcements were dispatched to the area, located in the densely forested Kokernag region of Anantnag district. The forest was immediately sealed off as the operation continued throughout the night.
"This village is situated in the dense forests, and militants were present in the village when we received information about their presence. The operation is still ongoing," an officer commented.
This tragic incident is a painful reminder of a similar attack in May of this year when three soldiers lost their lives in Halan forests in Kulgam district. The operation was initiated based on specific inputs regarding terrorist presence in the higher reaches of Halan forests in Kulgam. The perpetrators, believed to be foreign terrorists, remain at large.
Dilbag Singh, the director general of police for Jammu and Kashmir, Lt General Rajiv Ghai, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps, and additional director general of police, Vijay Kumar, rushed to the encounter site upon hearing about the injuries sustained by the three senior officers. Despite their best efforts, the officers were eventually transferred to the Army's base hospital in Srinagar, where they tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The Resistance Front's Falcon squad claimed responsibility for this heinous attack in a statement on social media. They cited the attack as retaliation for the killing of Mohammad Riyaz of Poonch, who lost his life in Rawalakote in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
This incident stands as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir and the unwavering bravery displayed by those who serve in the region. The nation mourns the loss of these dedicated officers and stands in solidarity with their families during this difficult time.
