fter an intense gun battle that lasted for nearly 8 hours, an operation by security forces in Handwara town in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district has come to an end. According to news agency PTI, one Colonel, one major, two Army jawans and a police sub-inspector were killed in this encounter with militants.

Among those martyred is the Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma. He had been part of several successful counter-terrorism operations in the past.

The Indian Army carried out a final assault at the first light of the day to neutralize militants hiding in the area. Re-enforcements were brought in and a door-to-door intervention was conducted as part of the standard operating procedure (SOP). Internet services were also snapped in Handwara as part of the operation.

According to preliminary inputs, a team of Rashtriya Rifles has entered a civilian home to prevent a hostage-like situation when they came under attack from militants. The latest reports also suggest that the civilians stuck in the house have been evacuated safely. Two militants were killed.

fter an intense gun battle that lasted for nearly 8 hours, an operation by security forces in Handwara town in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district has come to an end. According to news agency PTI, one Colonel, one major, two Army jawans and a police sub-inspector were killed in this encounter with militants.

Among those martyred is the Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma. He had been part of several successful counter-terrorism operations in the past.

The Indian Army carried out a final assault at the first light of the day to neutralize militants hiding in the area. Re-enforcements were brought in and a door-to-door intervention was conducted as part of the standard operating procedure (SOP). Internet services were also snapped in Handwara as part of the operation.

According to preliminary inputs, a team of Rashtriya Rifles has entered a civilian home to prevent a hostage-like situation when they came under attack from militants. The latest reports also suggest that the civilians stuck in the house have been evacuated safely. Two militants were killed.