Srinagar, 14 Sep 23. On receipt of specific intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists and a likely hideout in general area of village Garol, Anantnag, a joint search operation was launched by Indian Army and JKP on night of 12-13 Sep 23. A cordon was established and a detailed search of the village was conducted. Based on further leads, obtained during the search, it was ascertained that the terrorists were in a hideout in the higher reaches above the village which was covered with dense foliage and undergrowth.
Search columns, to the higher reaches were being led from the front by Col Manpreet Singh, Sena Medal, Commanding Officer of 19 RR Bn and Maj Aashish Dhonchak, Sena Medal, Company Commander of Kokernag Company of 19 RR Bn. The columns moved through re-entrants and rugged terrain which had dense foliage and undergrowth. On 13 Sep at approximately 1230h in the afternoon troops came under heavy fire. They retaliated, and engaged the terrorists. In the ensuing fire fight Col Manpreet Singh, Maj Aashish Dhonchak, and DSP Humayun, JKP suffered gunshot wounds and later succumbed laying down their lives in service to the Nation in the finest traditions of the Indian Army and Security Forces. Mortal remains of Col Manpreet Singh, Maj Aashish Dhonchak were retrieved through specialized operations in the treacherous terrain. In the ensuing operations two more personnel have been injured. The operation is still under progress.
The late Col Manpreet Singh was forty-one years old and had joined Army in 2005, resident of Panchkula, Haryana. The braveheart is survived by his wife and two young children.
The late Maj Aashish Dhonchak was thirty-four years old and had joined the Indian Army in 2013, resident of Panipat, Haryana. The braveheart is survived by his wife and a young daughter.
Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble LG of J&K and Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Chinar Corps Cdr along with Chief Secy J&K, Security Advisor to LG, DGP J&K and numerous other dignitaries have laid wreaths to pay homage to the Bravehearts today in a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt. The mortal remains of Late Col Manpreet Singh and Late Maj Aashish Dhonchak have been transported by a special aircraft for last rites to their native hometowns where they would be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity, safety and well being.
PRO (Defence), Srinagar
