‘Stop playing cricket with Pakistan’: How veterans reacted to Kashmir encounter

NEW DELHI | Updated: 14 September, 2023 6:32 pm IST
Picture for representational purpose only

NEW DELHI: Three security personnel laid down their lives in an anti-terror operation against Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Kokernag area of Anantnag on Wednesday, evoking anger against the Islamic neighbour.

The operation was undertaken between the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, where Colonel Manpreet Singh commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Unit was martyred alongside, Major Ashish Dhonak & DSP Humayun Bhat. Two Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists were also killed in the encounter.

The last rites of DSP Humayun Bhat were performed in Budgam in the evening. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was present to pay his final respects to the deceased. Taking to X, he wrote, “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.”

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“In solemn tribute to the unwavering valour of Col Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak & DSP Humayun Bhat who laid down their lives leading from the front during this ongoing operation. Our forces persist with unwavering resolve as they encircle 2 LET terrorists including Uzair Khan,” wrote Kashmir Zone Police on X.

 

Many retired security personnel have also taken to the social media platform to express their sympathies.

Former special forces officer Major Surendra Poonia expressed his sorrow in the loss of his Army ‘brothers’. He tweeted, “Mourning the loss of our brothers.”

Many other retired army personnel have also opined that the time had come to cut off all ties with Pakistan, even to the extent of boycotting cricket matches with India’s contentious neighbour.

Retired Colonel Rohit Dev questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India on X, asking if the Indian Cricket team would still play with Pakistan after the martyrdom of the three security personnel.

Retired Major and Shaurya Chakra awardee, Pawan Kumar also opined along the same lines while going a step further demanding the Indian government to close shop of the Pakistani Embassy in the country.

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Operations against the LeT militants have resumed in the Valley undertaken by the J&K Police and the Indian Army on Thursday.

On Tuesday, two terrorists had been killed by security forces in another encounter that began in the Narla area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri on Tuesday.

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