VIDEO: Nation Pays Tribute to Martyrs! Colonel, Major & 3 Others Killed in a Day-long Encounter with Terrorists in Kashmir

In a shocking and one of the deadliest operations, a Commanding Officer, a Major and three others were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Handwara town after they entered a house chasing a group of terrorists.

As per Economic Times report, a team of five members came under heavy fire on Saturday evening as they were entering a house in Handwara in search of a terrorist group.

Colonel identified as Ashutosh Sharma, of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles and his team was attacked in the first volley of fire from inside the house. During the encounter, a soldier, who was accompanying Col Sharma managed to escape after being wounded, while the remaining five were killed in the firing.

The others who were in the team have been identified as, Major Anuj Sood, Naik Rajesh Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Singh and sub inspector Shakeel Qazi. The two terrorist were also killed in the encounter. 

The last time a commanding officer lost his life was in 2015 to an IED attack at Warpora village in August 2000, in which a Brigadier also died.