Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the 5 Army soldiers who were martyred in the Handwara encounter. He tweeted and said that tribute to our courageous soldiers and security personnel who were martyred. His valor and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. My condolences to their families and friends.
Two senior army officers, including 5 martyrs, 2 terrorists killed in Handwara encounter
In Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, 5 security personnel including two senior army officers were martyred. Two militants have also been killed in an encounter in the area. The army on Sunday confirmed that in addition to 2 senior officers, 2 junior rank officers and 1 local police officer are among the martyred security personnel.
Srinagar-based Ministry of Defense spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia, informed the martyrdom of 5 security personnel, including rank, but has not revealed their names. A top source told IANS, “A colonel, a company commander, a commander of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, a commander of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Rajwar area of Handwara tehsil in a 20-hour long encounter between militants and security forces in Chanjimulla village of Handwara tehsil. Besides a SOG officer, a lance hero and a rifleman have been martyred.
Identification of slain terrorists
The army has also killed two terrorists and their identity is being ascertained. However, firing has stopped at the site of the encounter, but the search operation continues. Earlier, sources had told IANS that no contact could be made with security personnel inside the house to quietly carry out the operation to prevent any damage to civilian life and property in the area.
In such a situation, the army para commandos and other security personnel started the first attack on Sunday morning with the first ray. Para commandos had launched a campaign to separate security personnel and terrorists hiding inside the house. Significantly, the security forces started this operation on Saturday against the terrorists allegedly hiding in Rajwar forest area. The martyred personnel entered the house during the operation and carried out the action by risking their lives