In an ongoing encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag today, two JeM terrorists, Sajjad Maqbool Bhat and Tauseef who were reportedly involved in the ghastly Pulwama attack have been neutralised by the security forces. Army Major, Ketan Sharma has been martyred while three soldiers injured in the gunbattle.
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One of the slain terrorists identified as Sajjad Bhat was reportedly the owner of the explosive-laden vehicle Maruti Eeco used in the suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in February, and the other was the handler of the suicide bomber.
The security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs that some terrorists could be hiding in the area. Personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police personnel surrounded the Bidoora village in the Achabal area following the tip-off. The operation soon turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire at the forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army chief General Bipin Rawat will pay tribute to Major Ketan Sharma.
Major Ketan Sharma, who is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter was a resident of Meerut. He joined the Indian Army’s Sikh Light Infantry as a Lieutenant in 2012 after passing out from the Indian Military Academy Dehradun. His first posting reportedly was in Pune and he was transferred to Anantnag nearly two years back. He joined 19 Rashtriya Rifles (Sikh Light Infantry) as part of the counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Major Ketan Sharma’ mortal remains would be brought to Delhi and will then be taken to his residence where his last rites will be conducted with full military honour.