The name of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles Commanding Officer, who lost his life in the Handwara operation, is Colonel Ashutosh Sharma. He had been part of several successful counter-terrorist operations in the past: Indian Army officials. The Commanding Officer who led from the front and made the supreme sacrifice, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, was decorated with Sena Medal (Gallantry) twice. He made supreme sacrifice. Army Spokesperson on Handwara Operation in Jammu & Kashmir — Based on the intelligence input that terrorists were taking the civilian inmates of a house in Changimulla, Handwara of Kupwara district hostage, a joint operation was launched by Army and JK Police. Army Spokesperson — During the process, team was subjected to a heavy volume of fire by terrorists. In the ensuing firefight, 2 terrorists were eliminated&team of 5 Army& JK personnel comprising of 2 Army officers,2 Army soldiers& 1JK Police Sub Inspector attained martyrdom. Major Anuj Sood also lost his life in this operation.