In a solemn display of unity and solidarity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and leaders from various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have come together to condemn the recent militant attack in Kokernag, Anantnag district. The attack claimed the lives of an Army colonel, a major, and a deputy superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police during an ongoing gunfight with militants.
The tragedy unfolded on a fateful Wednesday when security forces engaged in an anti-terror operation in the Kokernag area faced a fierce encounter with militants. The nation was left in mourning as news broke of the heroic sacrifices made by Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Humayun Bhat.
Taking to social media platform X, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to these brave souls, stating, “Paid tributes to JKP’s DySP Humayun Bhat, who laid down his life in an anti-terror operation in Anantnag. I salute the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of Col Manpreet Singh & Major Ashish Dhonack. Entire nation stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief.”
Paid tributes to JKP's DySP Humayun Bhat, who laid down his life in an anti-terror operation in Anantnag. I salute the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of Col Manpreet Singh & Major Ashish Dhonack. Entire nation stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/WnNlag9qAX
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) September 13, 2023
Omar Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, shared his condolences and expressed the collective pain of the nation. “Terrible terrible news from J&K,” he said. “An army colonel, a major, and a J&K Police DYSP gave the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter in Kokernag area of South Kashmir today. DySP Humayan Bhat, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Colonel Manpreet Singh laid down their lives in an encounter with terrorists. May their souls rest in peace & may their loved ones find strength at this difficult time.”
Terrible terrible news from J&K. An army colonel, a major and a J&K Police DYSP gave the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter in Kokernag area of South Kashmir today. DySP Humayan Bhat, Major Ashish Dhonack, and Colonel Manpreet Singh laid down their lives in an encounter with…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) September 13, 2023
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti called the act of violence “abominable” and offered her deepest condolences to the families of the fallen heroes. “There is no place for such abominable acts of violence,” she asserted.
My deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in the line of duty at Anantnag today. There is no place for such abominable acts of violence. https://t.co/W6wlyLIwn9
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 13, 2023
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed his anguish over the loss of lives and called for justice for the slain officers. “The entire nation mourns the loss of these valiant heroes who laid down their lives while courageously facing terrorists,” he said. “My deepest condolences go out to the families of Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, and Deputy Superintendent of J&K Police Humayun Bhat.”
Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, CPI (M) leader and former MLA Kulgam, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Gani Lone paid his respects and highlighted the challenges and risks faced by security forces and police personnel in safeguarding the region’s peace and security. “We stand in solidarity with the families of the martyred officers during this difficult time,” he affirmed. “We pray that the souls of these brave officers may rest in eternal peace.”
Former Chief Minister and DPAP Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed his heartfelt condolences on social media platform X, saying, “In the line of duty at Kokernag, we have lost today Army Col. Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack, and DySP Humayan Bhat in an encounter. It is quite difficult to accept this terrible news. My heart goes out to their families who may find it difficult to gather the courage and strength to bear this loss, and I also pray for the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed for our better and secure tomorrow!”
In the line of duty at Kokernag, we have lost today Army col. Manpreet Singh, major Ashish Dhonack and Dysp Humayan Bhat in an encounter. It is quite difficult to accept this terrible news. My heart goes out to their families who may find it difficult to gather the courage and…
— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) September 13, 2023
Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress Working Committee (CWC) Member, expressed his anguish over the incident and condemned it in the strongest words possible.
The Chenab Times News Desk

