Major Ashish Dhonak was among one of the three army personnels, who lost his life during an encounter in the Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district on Wednesday. Major was survived by a two and half-year-old daughter and the only brother of three sisters had visited home just two months ago.The news of his death came with the feeling of deep sadness for the villagers, last evening. Locals started to gather at the residence of Major Dhonak in Haryanas Panipat to pay their last respects, soon after they got the news.His aggrieved Uncle, Dilawar Singh, while holding back his tears, informed media persons, that they received the information through a telephone call. “We were informed through telephone that he lost his life in an encounter. He left behind three sisters. He was my only son,” he said.He is survived by a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, he said. “He had just home come two months ago. We had to shift to a new house.”“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.While paying tribute to the martyrs, the Kashmir zone police tweeted, “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.”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— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) September 14, 2023
