Srinagar/Kupwara/Kulgam: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Army’s XV Corps commander Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai on Thursday paid homage to Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchak who were killed in an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag district.
Sinha, Lt Gen Ghai and Army officers laid wreaths on the coffins carrying the mortal remains of the two slain officers at the Badamibagh cantonment here.
Their bodies will later be flown to their hometowns. Colonel Singh hailed from Mohali and Major Dhonchak from Panipat. Their last rites will take place on Friday, officials said.
Four security forces personnel — Colonel Singh, commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Dhonchak, Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat and a soldier — were killed in the encounter with terrorists in the Gadole forests of Kokernag in Anantnag district on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, in a solemn and heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice of life in the line of duty at Kokernag, Anantnag, yesterday, citizens from all walks of life came together in a candlelight march today evening at various locations of Kupwara district.
The candlelight marches were held for poignant, peaceful demonstration of solidarity, to mourn the loss of valiant soldiers and to express profound gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the nation in various locations of Kupwara, Handwara, Lolab and Karnah subdivisions.
These marches commenced at various locations across District Kupwara. The protestors proceeded through towns and villages attracting a large and diverse crowd of people.
The atmosphere was sombre and the silence was profound as participants, holding flickering candles, walked in unison, paying their respects to the fallen heroes. Many held placards with messages of condolences, patriotism, and appreciation for the Indian Army and J&K police.
This collective display of grief and unity transcended boundaries, as people from various backgrounds, religions, and age groups participated, underscoring the nation’s unwavering support for its armed forces.
The candlelight marches in Karnah sub-division concluded right at LOC in Teetwal where community leaders, veterans and representatives of the civil society addressed the gathering. They spoke eloquently about the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers.
In the meantime, civil society members in Kulgam today hold a candlelight march in memory of the supreme sacrifice/ martyrdom of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Commanding Officer of 19 RR, Major Aashish Dhonchak, DySP J&K Police Humayun Bhat in Yesterday’s encounter at Gadole area of Kokernag in Anantnag district.
The candles were lit in the main market, clock tower, Kulgam by people as a tribute to the martyrs and to express condolences and solidarity with bereaved families
The march witnessed massive participation of people holding candles to remember the sacrifices of these bravehearts in line of duty and condemned the terror act unequivocally.
