Anantnag, Sep 13: The Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police on Saturday jointly commemorated the fourth anniversary of Operation Gadol, a major counter-terrorism operation carried out in the Gadol forests of Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district in September 2023, with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony and a Chinar tree plantation drive at the 19 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion Headquarters in Larkipora, officials said.
The ceremony was organised in remembrance of the four brave personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Gadol — Colonel Manpreet Singh, KC (P), SM; Major Aashish Dhonchak, SC (P), SM; DSP Humayun Muzzammil Bhat, KC (P); and Sepoy Pardeep Singh, SC (P).
Their courage, leadership and selfless devotion to duty remain an enduring source of inspiration for the security forces and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, officials said in a statement.
The ceremony was attended by Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure, IPS, SSP Anantnag, and Colonel Rohit Rattan, Commanding Officer, 19 Rashtriya Rifles, along with officers and personnel of the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police.
During the wreath-laying ceremony, floral tributes were paid to the four martyrs in remembrance of their exceptional courage and sacrifice. Officials said the ceremony served as a solemn reaffirmation that the sacrifices made during the operation continue to be remembered with the deepest respect and gratitude.
As a lasting tribute to the fallen heroes, four Chinar saplings were planted near the main gate of the Battalion Headquarters, 19 Rashtriya Rifles, also known as “Colonel Manpreet Singh Dwar.” The four Chinar trees, planted in the vicinity of the gate, stand collectively as a living memorial to all four martyrs. The Chinar, deeply associated with the land and heritage of Jammu & Kashmir, symbolises strength, resilience, longevity and an enduring connection with generations to come.
Officials said the presence of senior representatives of both the Army and the Police during the commemoration reaffirmed the enduring bond and solidarity between the two forces, united by a shared commitment to remember those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The Chinar Corps, in a statement, said it stands in solemn remembrance of its fallen heroes.
“Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten, their legacy shall never fade, and their courage shall continue to inspire all who serve the nation,” the statement said.
