Handwara Encounter: Prez Kovind pays tribute to martyrs; remembers their supreme sacrifice

President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes and expressed condolences towards the families of five security personnel martyred in an encounter with terrorists at a village in north Kashmir's Handwara area on Sunday. In counter-terror operations, an Army Colonel and a Major were among the five martyred, the Indian Army said.

Taking to Twitter, President  Kovind asserted that the nation will always remember their supreme sacrifice and added that the country will stand united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil. 

READ: 5 personnel including Army Colonel, Major martyred in Handwara; Raksha Mantri pays tribute

Counter-terror operation

A team comprising of five Army and JK Police personnel entered the target area occupied by the terrorists to evacuate the civilians and extricated the civilians, the statement said. Two terrorists were eliminated and the team of five security forces personnel comprising of two Army officers, two Army soldiers and one JK Police Sub Inspector attained martyrdom. Top Lashkar-e Taiba commander Haider from Pakistan has been killed in Handwara encounter, reported news agency ANI quoting IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar.

READ: Handwara: UP govt announces Rs 50 lakh aid, job to kin of martyred Col Ashutosh Sharma

PM Modi Pays Tribute To Martyrs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes and expressed condolences to families of five security personnel martyred in an encounter with terrorists at a village in north Kashmir's Handwara area on Sunday. 

On Twitter, PM Modi hailed the valour and sacrifice of those brave jawans who "served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens".

READ: Northern Command Indian Army salutes sacrifice of bravehearts in Handwara encounter

READ: Handwara encounter: General Naravane pays tribute to martyrs for their 'supreme sacrifice'