Two soldiers missing amid anti-terrorist operation in J&K, search hit by bad weather (Lead)
Two Indian soldiers vanished during an anti‑terrorist patrol in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in Jammu & Kashmir. Since the night of October 6‑7, the army has been trying to find them, but severe weather and heavy snowfall have made the search difficult.
During the patrol, a unit on the Kishtwar range was hit by a sudden snow storm that turned the mountains into a whiteout. The soldiers lost contact as they moved into the higher reaches of Kokernag. The Chinar Corps, headquartered in Srinagar, posted on X that the “operational team confronted a severe snow storm and has since lost communication with two soldiers.”
The army launched an intensive search and rescue effort, but the cold and low visibility have slowed progress. Helicopters have been dispatched to support ground troops, and the army, J&K police, and other security forces comb the dense forest in hopes of locating the missing troops.
The missing soldiers were part of a small team that began a coordinated cordon and search operation (CASO) on Tuesday, aiming to neutralise suspected terrorists and their supporters in the area. Because of the sudden weather drop and difficult terrain, the soldiers may have strayed from their group.
Authorities say the investigation is a joint effort that also looks at how terrorists fund their activities. The Centre and state security agencies have been targeting drug smuggling and hawala networks that provide money for terror operations. Agencies such as the National Investigation Agency, the Enforcement Directorate, the State Investigation Agency, and local police crime branches are investigating economic crimes linked to the terror network.
For now, the search continues as the Indian Army and associated security forces work to bring the missing soldiers home and to prevent future threats in the region.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
