Handwara encounter: PM Modi pays tribute to martyrs, hails their valour & sacrifice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes and expressed condolences to families of five security personnel martyred in an encounter with terrorists at a vill in rth Kashmir's Handwara area on Sunday. In counter-terror operation, an Army Colonel and a Major were among five martyred, Indian Army said.

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

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Counter-terror operation

A team comprising of five Army and JK Police personnel entered target area occupied by terrorists to evacuate civilians and extricated civilians, statement said. Two terrorists were eliminated and 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 ncy ANI quoting IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar.

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Defence Minister pays tribute

Paying his tribute to martyrs, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: "I offer my tributes to soldiers and security personnel who fell in action. My heart goes out to families who lost ir loved ones today. India stands shoulder to shoulder with families of se brave martyrs.  loss of our soldiers and security personnel in Handwara(J&K) is deeply disturbing and painful. y showed exemplary cour in ir fight against terrorists and me supreme sacrifice while serving country. We will never forget ir bravery and sacrifice."

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