Srinagar, September 19: In an ongoing operation that has extended into its seventh day, security forces are meticulously searching the dense forests of Gadole in the Anantnag district of Kashmir Valley. This operation, one of the longest anti-militancy efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, has sadly resulted in the loss of three officers and one soldier.
On Monday, two bodies were discovered within the forest area. One has been identified as Pradeep, the soldier who fell victim to terrorists last Wednesday. The identity of the other individual remains unconfirmed, as per officials.
For the past four days, the authorities have maintained silence regarding the operation. It is believed that two to three terrorists are currently trapped within the forest area.
This operation was initiated following the tragic deaths of Colonel Manpreet Singh, the commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Ashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat, who were all killed by terrorists. Pradeep had gone missing on the first day of the encounter and was presumed to have been killed.
Earlier reports had indicated that drone footage revealed a charred body near one of the terrorist hideouts destroyed during the operation. Security forces have been utilizing drones and helicopters to surveil the densely wooded area, which contains several cave-like hideouts where terrorists are believed to have been holed up since last Wednesday.
As a precautionary measure to prevent terrorists from infiltrating civilian areas, the security cordon was extended to the neighboring Posh Kreeri area on Sunday.
Speaking at a gathering on Sunday evening, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed that the sacrifice of the slain security personnel would not go in vain and that the handlers of the terrorists would face severe consequences. He expressed unwavering support for the brave soldiers, saying, “We have complete faith in our soldiers… The entire nation stands in solidarity with the jawans.”
Key officials from the security establishment in Kashmir, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s 15 Corps, have been closely monitoring the progress of the operation.
