NIA Takes Over J&K Kokernag Encounter Case

The National Investigation Agency on Thursday has taken over the Jammu & Kashmir Kokernag encounter case that occurred in September earlier this year in which a colonel, a major, and a soldier from the Indian Army, a DySP of J&K Police, and Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Uzair Khan were killed.

As per information from a source familiar with the matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order earlier this week, prompting the NIA to assume control of the case.

Following the MHA directive, the NIA promptly registered a new case and initiated an investigation, assigning responsibility to a Superintendent of Police rank officer stationed at its regional branch office.

Previously on Sep 13, at Gadole Forest of Kokernag in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian Army suffered the loss of 19 Rashtriya Rifles Commanding Officer Col Manpreet Singh, company commander Major Ashish Dhonchak, J&K Police Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat, and trooper Pardeep Singh.

The operation concluded after 6 days on September 19.

Addressing the Kokernag encounter, Jammu & Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh stated that some vested interests sought to exaggerate the incident.

DGP Dilbagh Singh clarified that the terrorists initiated the gunfire in the encounter, resulting in the deaths of 3 officers.

DGP Dilbagh Singh emphasized that when security forces responded by firing at the terrorists first, it worked to their advantage.

In Kokernag, terrorists exploited the initial exchange of fire, leading to the tragic demise of 2 army officers and a police officer.

DGP Dilbagh Singh further highlighted that the operation spanned 7 days and was executed successfully. During the operation, security personnel successfully neutralized the notorious LeT terrorist Uzair Khan and his associate.