Jammu, September 14: School students of Jammu on Thursday paid tribute to the three security officers who were killed in an encounter in Jammu And Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. The students were seen with posters of the deceased soldiers and the Indian flag in their hand praying for the peace of departed souls. According to the officials, the deceased officers have been identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak and DySP Humayun Bhat.

"An Indian Army Colonel commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Unit along with a Major have lost their lives in an encounter in Anantnag with terrorists in Kashmir. The off-vet was commanding 19 RR," Indian Army officials said. Anantnag Encounter: Indian Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, Deputy SP Humayun Bhat Killed in Gunfight With Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a message on a micro-blogging site, X, Kashmir Zone Police said: "In solemn tribute to the unwavering valor 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".

The last rites of DySP Humayun Muzammil Bhat were performed in Budgam on Wednesday evening. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief over the death of the officers in the encounter. Anantnag Encounter: AAP Criticises PM Narendra Modi, BJP for Celebrating G20 Summit Amidst Tragic Loss of Soldiers in Jammu And Kashmir.

“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. The entire nation stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief,” LG’s office said in a post on the social media platform, X.

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