Anantnag Encounter: The continuing gunfire in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag area has taken a devastating toll, with another soldier killed on Friday.
This terrible tragedy brings the total number of victims since the operation began on Wednesday to four.
The situation remains tense as the area is sealed off and a massive search is underway.
The catastrophe began late Tuesday night, when the army and police launched a joint search operation to find terrorists believed to be hiding in the area.
A ferocious gunfight occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming the lives of numerous brave servicemen.
One of the most heartbreaking occurrences occurred on Wednesday, when an army colonel, a major, and a senior police official were killed in a gunfight with terrorists in the Kokernag area of Kashmir's Anantnag district.
Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat are thought to have been targeted by terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The identity of the fourth soldier killed on Friday has yet to be known, adding to the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the operation.
The mortal remains of the slain heroes were returned to their homelands for their ultimate journey. Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchack were laid to rest at Panipat with full military honours.
On Thursday, Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat also bid farewell at his home in Budgam.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha paid his respects by laying a wreath and paying tribute to Col Manpreet Singh and Major Aashish Dhonchak in the face of this heartbreaking loss.
He recognised the great sacrifice made by these valiant warriors in their unwavering struggle against terrorism in Anantnag. "My deepest condolences to their families," he said. "The appreciative nation will be eternally grateful to these courageous individuals."
The nation mourns the loss of these courageous individuals who put their lives on the line to ensure peace and security in an area that has seen its fair share of upheaval and unrest.