Nation is Proud of You: Army Chief on Handwara Encounter Martyrs

PM Modi paid tribute to the officers killed, stating that their “valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The martyred Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles unit has been identified as Colonel Ashutosh Sharma.

(Photo: ANI/altered by The Quint)

Army Chief General MM Naravane on Monday, 4 May, said India is proud of Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, the Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles battalion, and four other security personnel who laid down their lives while saving civilians from terrorists at a village in Handwara in north Kashmir on Sunday.

In a warning to Pakistan, Gen Naravane said the Indian Army will give “proportionate response” to all acts of terrorism and infringement of ceasefire violations, PTI reported.

“The nation is proud of their actions especially of the Commanding Officer who led from the front and ensured that there were no civilian casualties or collateral damage during the entire operation,” he said.

“I also take this opportunity to tell the families of our brave-hearts that, we, the entire Army fraternity, is immensely proud of their gallantry and assure you that we stand in solidarity with you during this extremely difficult time,” the Chief of the Army Staff said.

‘Valour, Sacrifice Won’t be Forgotten’: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 3 May, paid tribute to the security personnel killed, stating that their “valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

At least five security personnel lost their lives in Handwara on Sunday, following an overnight encounter with terrorists.

Four Indian Army personnel, including a Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles unit, a Major, two soldiers and one Jammu and Kashmir policeman were killed in the encounter. Two terrorists were also killed by the forces.

One of the terrorists killed has been identified as a top Lashkar-e Taiba commander Haider from Pakistan, IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar told ANI.

The deceased Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles unit has been identified as Colonel Ashutosh Sharma. A Sena Medal awardee, he had been part of several successful counter-terrorist operations in the past.

The others have been identified as Major Anuj Sood (19 Guards), NK Rajesh (3 Guards), LNK Dinesh (17 Guards) and Sub-Inspector Shakeel Qazi (J&K police).

Based on the intelligence input that terrorists were taking civilian inmates of a house in Changimulla, Handwara of Kupwara district as hostage, a joint operation was launched by army and JK Police, ANI quoted the army spokesperson as saying.

“A team comprising of five army and J&K Police personnel entered the target area occupied by terrorists to evacuate the civilians. The team of army and J&K Police entered the area and successfully extricated the civilians,” the spokesperson said.

“During the process, the team was subjected to a heavy volume of fire by terrorists. In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were eliminated and a team of five army and J&K personnel comprising of two army officers, two army soldiers and one J&K Police Sub-Inspector attained martyrdom,” he added.

The firefight between the security forces and militants reportedly began around 3.30 am.

Kashmir IGP, Sector Commander, Deputy Inspector General North Kashmir & Superintendent of Police, Handwara paid tribute to the martyrs at Langate.

(Photo: ANI)

(Photo: ANI)

‘They Put Service Before Self’: CDS Bipin Rawat

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said that the encounter “highlights the determination of the security forces to safeguard the lives” and that the officers who lost their lives chose service before self.

“The operations in Handwara, J&K highlights the determination of the security forces to safeguard the lives of the people. The Commanding Officer leading from the front along with other personnel of the unit and J&K Police have laid down their lives, living up to the motto: service before self,” he said in a statement.

“The armed forces are proud of their courage as they have successfully eliminated the terrorists. We salute these brave personnel and express our deepfelt condolences for the bereaved families,” he added.

Defence Minister Pays Tribute

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, saying they had made a supreme sacrifice for their country.

(With inputs from PTI)