New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday paid tributes to the soldiers and security personnel who lost their lives in an encounter at Handwara in the frontier Kashmir district of Kupwara and said India stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of these brave martyrs and will never forget their bravery and sacrifice.
''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,'' Mr Singh said in a tweet.
Offering his tributes to the soldiers and security personnel who fell in action, he said, ''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.''
Five security force personnel, including a Colonel and a Major, were killed while two militants were gunned down in an encounter at Handwara in the frontier Kashmir district of Kupwara.
