Srinagar - An Army Colonel, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were fatally wounded, while another security official sustained critical injuries during an intense firefight with separatist militants in the Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmir's southern Anantnag district. The conflict, which had been ongoing since Wednesday afternoon, resulted in the tragic loss of these dedicated individuals.

According to both police and Army sources, Colonel Manpreet Singh, the Commanding Officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles (12 Sikh Light Infantry) and a Chandigarh resident, along with Major Ashish Kumar and DSP Humayun Bhat of the J&K police, sustained injuries during the initial exchange of gunfire between the militants and security forces in Gadool Hemet of Kokernag. They were swiftly airlifted to a military hospital, where they eventually succumbed to their injuries.

The clash erupted following a joint operation involving the J&K police, Army, and CRPF. This operation was launched based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the village.

A defense spokesperson recounted, "Colonel Singh, leading his team with unwavering valor, confronted the terrorists. However, he was met with enemy fire and sustained critical injuries."

The Kashmir zone police posted on "X," stating, "An encounter has initiated in #Kokernag area of #Anantnag. Army and JKP officers have been injured. More details will be provided later."

Police sources suggested that two to three militants may be trapped in the vicinity.

This harrowing confrontation followed closely on the heels of another firefight between militants and security forces in the Narla area of the bordering Rajouri district. In that encounter, two militants were neutralized, while Rifleman Ravi Kumar of the 63 Rashtriya Rifles, a resident of Wasnoti Trigam village in J&K's eastern Kishtwar district, made the ultimate sacrifice. Three additional security personnel, including SPO Vishal Singh, were wounded in the operation.

Notably, an Army canine hero, a six-year-old female Labrador named Kent from the 21 Army Dog Unit, also lost her life while bravely protecting her handlers during this impact operation.