Army chief General Dalbir Singh on Wednesday termed Colonel M N Rai's act of pursuing and eliminating terrorists as a 'brave act' and said the brave officer showed exemplary leadership in leading from the front.
Colonel Munindra Nath Rai was martyred yesterday during an encounter with the militants in Jammu and Kashmir.
"He was a very brave officer and he had been awarded Yudh Seva Medal on 26 January. It is an example of leadership, that the moment he got the information that there are two terrorists in that area, he immediately led a party and eliminated them," General Singh said.
"Unfortunately, he also suffered gunshot wounds and succumbed to the injuries. I must say it was a very brave act and it indicates our army officers lead from the front," he added.
General Singh further denied if Tuesday's encounter with the militants was in any way linked with U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the country.
"I don't think it is connected in any way with the visit [of President Obama], it is a routine activity which all of you are aware of. The terrorists are there in the valley and the moment we get inputs, we take action to eliminate them," the army chief said when asked if there was increased terrorist activity across the border during Presdient Obama's visit.
Earlier on Tuesday, Colonel Munindra Nath Rai and a Police Head Constable were killed in a fierce gun-battle between the security forces and the terrorists in Pulwama district's Tral area.
Two Hizbul Mujahdeen militants were also killed in the encounter.
