New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to five security personnel, including a Colonel and Major, who were killed during an encounter with terrorists at Handwara in north Kashmir on Sunday.
“Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred at Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
The five security personnel were killed during a gun battle with terrorists earlier on Sunday.
They were part of a team of 21 Rashtriya Rifles that had entered the house of a civilian to prevent a hostage situation when they came under attack from the terrorists. While the four Army personnel and a Sub-Inspector of police died fighting, the civilians trapped in the house were evacuated safely, news agency ANI reported.