In Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district, an Indian Army Colonel, a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police lost their lives in an encounter that broke out between the Indian security forces and the terrorists on Wednesday.2 Jawans, 1 DSP killed in encounter with terrorists in J&Ks AnantnagThe encounter broke out in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district, a police official told news agency PTI.An Army Rashtriya Rifles unit Commanding Officer (Colonel), a Company Commander (Major) and a J&K Police DSP were killed in the gunfight. The gunfight is still ongoing to eliminate the terrorists in the region.Official statement on Anantnag EncounterBriefing about the encounter incident on Wednesday, Army officials said, “Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish, deputy superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Muzamil Bhat were critically injured in the gunfight and died later.”Reportedly, the Army officials were leading the troops from the front after they had gone to search for terrorists in the real based on specific intelligence. J&K DGP Dilbag Singh, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar along with Army personnel rushed to the encounter site to supervise the operation.According to the sources, the team of security personnel were chasing terrorists in a hideout. As they climbed atop a building, 2-3 terrorists hiding inside opened fire. The Colonel died on the spot, while the other two officials received gunshots. They were airlifted to a hospital in Srinagar where they succumbed to their injuries. Sources also said that the terrorists were from The Resistance Front, a proxy of LeT. However, the two injured also declared a deal later.Meanwhile, the soldiers and cops last rites have taken place. #WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Last rites of DSP of J&K Police Humayun Muzammil Bhat, who lost his life in the Anantnag encounter, performed in Budgam. pic.twitter.com/xwN04vK057— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2023Political leaders pay tribute to martyrsPaying tribute to the martyrs, several leaders and senior Army personnel extended their condolences to their bereaved families.#WATCH | Jammu & Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha lays a wreath to pay tribute to J&K DSP Humayun Muzammil Bhat who lost his life in the Anantnag encounter. pic.twitter.com/92AAjL4qa1— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2023Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the bravehearts.“Our brave Army personnel and a DSP have made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists in an encounter at Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir. We are extremely saddened by their loss. Our deepest condolences to the families of our bravehearts. India stands united against terrorism,” he tweeted.Our brave Army personnel and a DSP have made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists in an encounter at Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir. We are extremely saddened by their loss. Our deepest condolences to the families of our bravehearts. India stands united against terrorism.— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 13, 2023Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wished strength to the family and friends of those killed in action.“Two army officers and a police officer have lost their lives in a counter-terror operation in #Anantnag, J&K. They have sacrificed themselves to keep us safe. These martyrs have served Bharat with utmost dedication and bravery. My prayers to the Almighty to give strength for their families and friends to bear with this loss,” she tweeted.Two army officers and a police officer have lost their lives in a counter-terror operation in #Anantnag, J&K. They have sacrificed themselves to keep us safe. These martyrs have served Bharat with utmost dedication and bravery.My prayers to the Almighty to give strength for…— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 13, 2023Former Congress leader and senior Kashmir politician Ghulam Nabi Azad also prayed for the souls of the martyrs.“In the line of duty at Kokernag, we have lost today Army Col. Manpreet Singh, major Ashish Dhonack and Dysp Humayan Bhat in an encounter. It is quite difficult to accept this terrible news. My heart goes out to their families who may find it difficult to gather the courage and strength to bear this loss and I also pray for the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed for our better and secure tomorrow!” he tweeted.In the line of duty at Kokernag, we have lost today Army col. Manpreet Singh, major Ashish Dhonack and Dysp Humayan Bhat in an encounter. It is quite difficult to accept this terrible news. My heart goes out to their families who may find it difficult to gather the courage and…— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) September 13, 2023