Srinagar, May 3 (GNS): The J&K police today paid homage to sub-inspector and four soldiers, including two officers, who died during a counter-insurgency operation in Chanjimulla area of Rajwar Handwara in Kupwara district of north Kashmir on Sunday.
“Sub Inspector Sageer Ahmad Pathan @ Qazi who was born in 1978 in Tad Karnah of Kupwara District was appointed as Constable in 1999 in Armed Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police. He volunteered for working in Police SOG, an elite Counter-Militant Force in 2006 and continued till date because of his outstanding performance till yesterday when he attained martyrdom in an operation at Chanjmulla Handwara along with CO 21 RR Col Ashutosh Sharma, Maj Anuj Sood and two soldiers of the same Unit,” a police spokesman said in a statement.
During his posting in SOG the SI remained part of and led various successful anti-militant operations, the spokesman said.
“In recognition of his immense contribution, he was granted three out of turn promotions and he rose from the rank of a constable to Sub-Inspector over the years,” the police spokesman said.
“This courageous officer was honoured with various medals which include – Sheri-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry in 2009, Police Medal for Gallantry by President of India in 2011, DGP J&K Commendation Medal and GOC -in-C, Northern Command Commendation Disc,” the spokesman said.
“Yesterday, when inputs were received about the presence of militants in village Chanjmulla, Handwara, he led the SOG team under the command of District SP Handwara along with CO 21 RR and launched the operation,” the spokesman said.
He was part of the original team which went in to evacuate the civilian inmates in the target house who were taken hostage by the hiding militants, the spokesman said.
“The team could safely rescue the inmates but came under heavy fire from the militants, during the evacuation process and attained martyrdom,” the spokesman said.
The other parties of police and Security Force continued the operation through the night under the supervision of Brig Rathore, DIG Police North Kashmir Suleman Choudhary and District SP Sundeep Chakravarti.
“On conclusion of the ops the target house was searched early this morning and bodies of two militants eliminated in the encounter were recovered along with arms and ammunition. One of the slain militant is identified as Haider, a Pak National working in Lashkar e Toiba in Kashmir for the past couple of years, a militant outfit run by Pakistan and the identity of the other slain is being ascertained,” the spokesman said.
JKP Martyr Sageer attained martyrdom protecting integrity and sovereignty of our nation and safeguarding the interests of people till last breath, the spokesman said.
All Ranks of JKP Salute the brave heart Martyrs of Police SI Sageer and other members of the team led by Col. Ashutosh. The martyr is survived by three daughters, a son and aged parents, the spokesman added. (GNS)
