The militants managed to escape after the encounter but the army will continue the operation, said Hawaldar Mukesh Nakti.
A day after 38-year-old Colonel Santosh Mahadik died during an encounter with terrorists, a massive cordon and search operation is underway in Hyhama and Manigah area of Kupwara district.
Reinforcement has been rushed to the area to flush out terrorists who are holed up there for the last 10 days. NDTV spoke to a jawan who was part of the gun battle in which Colonel Mahdik died.
"Colonel Santosh was leading from the front when he spotted two militants. He opened fire and in the exchange of fire, he received bullet injuries in his head," said Hawaldar Mukesh Nakti of 41 Rashtriya Rifles.
He said militants managed to escape after the encounter but the army will continue the operation.
Colonel Santosh Mahadik, who was leading a search party, sustained serious bullet injuries in the gun battle and died in hospital.
Hawaldar Nakti said the troops of 41 RR led by Colonel Santosh launched the operation 10 days ago when they received information about presence of terrorists in the area. Sources said the group of terrorists involved in Tuesday's encounter is believed to have crossed over from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir into Indian territory a few weeks ago.
"Since then, searches have been going on in the area. Three days ago, two jawans were injured during an encounter with terrorists," he said.
The soldier said the army has intensified the operation despite very cold weather conditions.
A member of the Army's elite Para Commando force, Colonel Mahadik was the second senior officer killed while fighting terrorists in Kashmir. In January, Colonel MM Rai, commanding officer of 42 Rashtriya Rifles, was killed in an encounter with terrorists in south Kashmir's Tral area.
On Wednesday, the Army paid a moving tribute to Colonel Mahadik, who left behind his wife and two sons, 11 and seven.
Army pays tribute to Colonel Santosh Mahadik. (PTI photo)