The shadowy landscape of Kashmir, where violence and unrest have cast a long and painful history, the Kokernag encounter which started in the evening of 13th September and where the anti-terrorist operation is still going on to neutralize the militants hidden in the dense forests emerged as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges faced by both the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the region's residents. This incident, like many other Kokernagres before it, showcased the complexity of the situation in the valley, where security forces grapple with militant threats while striving to win the hearts and minds of the local populace.

It was the evening of 13th September, when the tragic news circulated on social media that an encounter with terrorists in the Garol area of in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district tragically claimed the lives of four security personnel. A Colonel-Commanding Officer of the 19 RR, a Major, and a DySP of JKP were among martyred. Brave hearts, Late Colonel Manpreet Singh, Commanding Officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles; Late Maj Aashish Dhonchak, Company Commander Kokernag; and Deputy SP Humanyu Muzamil Bhat of the J&K Police, Anantnag District were killed in action while carrying out their duty on Thursday. This operation was initiated based on specific intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists within the area. As the security forces advanced into Garol, they were met with intense gunfire from concealed positions held by militants strategically nestled amidst the thick foliage of the forest. The encounter has entered into its fifth day and the security forces are unable to neutralize the militants due to the rugged and difficult terrain of the concerned forest area with dense vegetation and slight rain interruption.
Kashmir has long been marred by a tumultuous history of conflict, strife, and political unrest. The Kokernag encounter in Kashmir is a poignant chapter in this ongoing saga, highlighting the complexities and challenges that continue to define the region. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the challenges faced by security forces in the region. This attack marks a significant escalation by militants in Kashmir, showing their dominance over a vast forested region extending from Poonch and Rajouri to south Kashmir. It is pertinent to mention here that similar attacks have been carried out by the terrorists in past times also and nearly a dozen Commanding Officers have lost their lives in similar engagements. This tragic incident reminds of the persisting challenges and dangers faced by security forces in the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and efforts to maintain peace and security in Kashmir. Despite facing their internal challenges, Pakistan is still helping militant groups to carry out such attacks in Kashmir and disrupt the peace and development in the valley by supporting and providing resources to these groups. The critical analysis of this episode teaches the security agencies to be aware of the intelligence inputs in the future to avoid the fatalities. While dealing with such events, security forces must use innovative approaches to deal with terrorist activities. The use of small drones for surveillance and counter-terrorism operations can provide a valuable advantage, allowing for better intelligence gathering and potentially reducing risks to personnel. Besides, dealing with terrorist organizations is a collaborative task. The local people must provide all kinds of support to security forces while they deal with these attacks. On the other hand, strengthening the intelligence network to identify and apprehend sympathisers of terrorists is crucial. Terrorism is a threat not only to security forces but it is threat to humanity and human existence. It must be eliminated and its elimination requires public support. Unless and untill terrorism is not eliminated in the valley, casualties of both the security forces and common people will continue and resultantly living here will be analogous to live in hell. So local people must come forward to help thr security forces to carry out this noble task, so that no such tragic events may occur in the future and peace may prevail in the valley. As citizens, our role extends beyond passive mourning. We are the keepers of their memory, and it is our solemn duty to ensure their sacrifices are remembered and celebrated. Accurate and timely intelligence is crucial in counter-terrorism operations. However, there have been instances where intelligence reports were inaccurate, leading to unnecessary confrontations. The Kokernag encounter prompts a critical examination of intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms. These attacks remind us that though the number of militants in Kashmir has reduced to a significant number after 2019, but still some terrorist groups are present here to carry out their terror activities and disrupt the peace and development process in the valley. So, security forces with the help of local police and public must try their best to eliminate all these groups as the people in the valley want to live a peaceful and prosperous life.
In conclusion, the Kokernag encounter serves as a stark reminder of the complex and enduring nature of the Kashmir issue. The attack in Kokernag serves as a stark reminder that despite significant efforts to combat terrorism, the menace continues to pose a grave danger to the security and stability of the region. Our brave soldiers, who risk their lives daily to protect our nation's borders and maintain peace in the troubled UT of Jammu and Kashmir, are often targeted by these faceless enemies of humanity. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to address the concerns of all parties involved and, most importantly, to bring lasting peace and stability to this troubled region. Furthermore, it is essential that the local communities in areas like Kokernag play an active role in countering extremism and supporting law enforcement agencies. Building trust and cooperation between the local population and security forces is a critical step in ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region. Until such a resolution is achieved, the security forces and the people of Kashmir will continue to endure the tragic consequences of a conflict that shows no signs of abating. The sacrifices made by our soldiers in Kokernag and elsewhere should never be forgotten, and their mission to protect our nation must remain our unwavering commitment.

Email:-----------------geokulgam@gmail.com