Leaders across party lines, DGP condemn killings of Army officers, Dy SP in Kokernag encounter

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 13: Leaders of all major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Director General of Police (DGP) J&K today condemned in strongest terms the killings of Deputy SP of J&K Police (JKP) Humayun Bhat, Army Major Ashish Dhonack and Colonel Manpreet Singh in an encounter in Kokernag area of district Anantnag.
National Conference president and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah have expressed grief and anguish over the demise of the three officers. While condemning the killings in unequivocal terms, the duo said that such attacks inflict unbearable pain and suffering on our nation and undermine peace and stability in the area. They offered heartfelt condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for peace to departed souls.
Among others, Party general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, treasurer Shammi Oberoi, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, MP Hasnain Masoodi have also condemned the killings and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families.
On behalf of the J&K Police Pariwar, DGP J&K Dilbag Singh condoled the martyrdom of the brave heart officers of J&K Police and Army. The DGP said in his message that he is deeply saddened by the terrible loss of three young brave hearts Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonack of 19 RR and Deputy SP Humayun Muzamil Bhat (son of retired IG of J&K Police Ghulam Hassan Bhat). The DGP said that every loss of life is unfortunate, adding that perpetrators of the criminal act would be brought to justice soon. The DGP extended his sympathies with the bereaved families adding that the whole of J&K Police Force is at the beck and call of the NoK of martyrs.
Condemning the incident in strongest words, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ghulam Ahmad Mir demanded exemplary punishment to militants and their handlers. He expressed pain and anguish over the Martyrdom of Army Colonel, Major and Deputy SP of J&K police in the encounter and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of martyred officers. The terrorists and their handlers responsible for the Martyrdom of officers should be punished sternly, Mir added.
JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla also expressed pain and anguish over the martyrdom of Army Colonel, Major and Deputy SP of J&K Police in Kokernag encounter. “Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Kokernag and condolences to their families and friends,” Bhalla said in a condolence message. He described it as “deeply disturbing and painful”.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, also paid heartfelt tributes to the courageous martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice today while combating terrorists in south Kashmir’s Kokernag. He said, “The entire nation mourns the loss of these valiant heroes who laid down their lives while courageously facing terrorists in Garol village, Kokernag, Anantnag, today. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the martyrs. May Allah grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss, and may the departed souls rest in eternal peace. I urge our security agencies to swiftly bring these terrorists to justice.”
Chairman Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed grief over the killing of three officers. In a statement issued today, Hakeem Yaseen expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families. He said killing of human lives whether civilian or police personnel, is a big loss to humanity. He said violence is no solution to any problem.
“Shocked and anguished to hear the sad news of sacrifice of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Maj Ashish Dhonchak, Deputy SP Humayun Bhatt and Rifleman Rav,”‘ said Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader, RS Chib in his condolence message. He expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and salute to the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives while courageously fighting terrorists during Kokernag encounter.
Expressing profound grief and sorrow on the tragic martyrdom of three officers, Gaurav Gupta, former General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, termed it as an immense loss to the nation and a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave security forces. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred heroes and prayed for their strength during this difficult time. He urged the Government and the society at large to provide all necessary support and assistance to the families of these brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Bhuvneshwar Gandotra of Jammu Heritage Society expressed grief over the supreme sacrifice of army officers and Deputy SP of J&K Police. “The cowardly act of terrorists is highly condemnable,” he said and expressed confidence that terrorists responsible shall be eliminated in no time by the security forces. Other members of Jammu Heritage Society also express deep sorrow and pray for the peace to great martyrs and courage to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.