J&K: Deputy SP killed in Kulgam encounter with Jaish militants

Officials said the encounter took place in Turigam of Kulgam during a cordon and search operation, following a tip-off. The identity of the three militants killed is yet to be ascertained.

Clashes broke out between locals and security forces soon after the encounter. Dr G M Bhat, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Kulgam said eight civilians were brought to the hospital. “We referred three to Srinagar,” he said.

A 2011-batch J&K Police Services officer, Thakur had been posted as DySP (Operations) in Kulgam, a terrorist-hit area of South Kashmir, for two years, and had led several anti-terror operations. A resident of Gogla in Doda district of the Jammu region, he had last month received the DGP’s Commendation Medal and Certificate for exemplary service.

Kumar is survived by his parents, wife and a six-year-old son.

At a wreath-laying ceremony, J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh said they had lost a “brave colleague”.