Offering condolences on martyrdom of five security personnel, including colonel Ashutosh Sharma, Major Anuj Sood, Police Sub Inspector Shakeel Qazi, Lance Naik Dinesh Singh, and Naik Rajesh Kumar, in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's in Kupwara district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, May 3, that their valour and sacrifice will never be never forgotten.

indian army martyrs
Army Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, Major Anuj Sood were among the 5 martyred during an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.Twitter

Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens," PM Modi wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi 9 pm 9 minute appeal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to their families and friends.Twitter/Screengrab

PM Modi also offered condolences to their families and friends.

Rajnath Singh pays tribute

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter saying, "The loss of our soldiers and security personnel in Handwara (J&K) is deeply disturbing and painful. They showed exemplary courage in their fight against the terrorists and made supreme sacrifice while serving the country. We will never forget their bravery and sacrifice."

In a series of tweets, Singh said that he offers his tributes to the soldiers and security personnel who fell in action. "My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones today. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of these brave martyrs," the defence minister tweeted.

ALSO READ: CDS General Bipin Rawat salutes 'supreme sacrifice' of 5 martyrs

7 killed in Kashmir gunbattle

Two senior Indian Army officers, two junior ranks, an officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and two terrorists were killed in a fierce gunbattle today in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

  • Col Ashutosh Sharma, 45
  • Major Anuj Sood, 31
  • Naik Rajesh Kumar, 30
  • Lance Naik Dinesh Singh, 25
  • Sub-Inspector Shakeel Qazi

After the security personnel entered the house they lost radio contact with the surrounding security men triggering concern about their safety.