Kokernag operation enters day 3, more forces deployed

Srinagar, Aug 12: The search operations by security forces in Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag District, continue for the third consecutive day on Monday.

At least two soldiers and a civilian were killed during a gunfight between the terrorists and the security forces in Anantnag on Saturday.

The officials said that more forces were rushed to the site in order to intensify the search operations. The operations are underway in the Ahlan Gadole forest area of Kokernag.

Earlier, IGP Kashmir Zone VK Birdi said that the security forces had information regarding the movement of terrorists in the upper reaches.

"A search operation was being conducted in the Gagar-Mandu area. Security forces spotted the movement of terrorists and there was an exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists," IGP Birdi told reporters

Earlier on Aug 11, an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the higher reaches of Basantgarh in Udhampur district on Sunday evening, officials said."Based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists, a joint search operation was launched by Security forces in higher reaches of Basantgarh under the J/D of P/S Basantgarh ) of Udhampur district. An exchange of fire has taken place. Area cordoned off," Jammu and Kashmir said.

As per officials, another encounter broke out during a joint operation launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in the general area of Kokernag in Anantnag.

Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma laid down their lives in the line of duty in Anantnag. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army paid tribute to Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, who lost their lives during the encounter on Saturday.