Two soldiers go missing during combing operation in Kokernag forest
Forces launch search operation
Srinagar: Security forces launched a massive search operation in the forests of Kokernag area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag to locate two missing soldiers after losing contact with them during a combing exercise in the area to track down terrorists, officials said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, forces also intensified search ops to track down terrorists in Rajouri and Udhampur.
The combing operation was launched two days ago in the Ahlan Gadole area of Kokernag following inputs that a group to terrorists was hiding there, they said.
However, two soldiers, who are part of the elite para unit, went missing as their communication line went out, the officials said, adding that helicopters were pressed into aerial reconnaissance in a bid to locate the missing soldiers.
Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army said the operational team was caught in a severe snow storm on Monday night.
“On the intervening night of October 6-7, an operational team on Kishtwar range confronted a severe snow storm and white out conditions in the mountains of South Kashmir. Since then, two soldiers have gone out of communication,” the Chinar Corps said in a post on its X handle.
Search and rescue operation was in progress, it said.
“Intense search and rescue operations have been launched but hampered due to prevailing adverse weather conditions,” it added.
Meanwhile, security forces stepped up their search for terrorists believed to be hiding in remote forest areas in Rajouri and Udhampur districts, officials said.
While a brief encounter took place between police and some terrorists in Beeranthub area of Kandi in Rajouri on Tuesday evening, three suspected terrorists were also noticed moving in Dharni top area of Basantgarh in Udhampur.
Police assisted by army and CRPF strengthened the cordon around the areas and a massive search operation was launched this morning to track down and neutralise the terrorists, the officials said.
They said the cordon and search operation was extended to adjoining areas but there was no fresh contact with the terrorists so far.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti said on Tuesday that “Exchange of fire took place between terrorists and SOG (Special Operations Group) team in Beeranthub area, Police Station Kandi, Rajouri. Joint parties of police, Army and CRPF have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.”
