Kashmir Impulse Desk
Jammu, Nov 12
Security forces launched extensive search operations in the Dachchan-Marwah forests of Kishtwar district on Thursday after recovering the bullet-riddled bodies of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) who went missing while travelling to an Army post a day earlier.
The service weapons of the two personnel were missing, officials said.
The deceased were identified as Rashpal Kumar, 45, and Bobby Chand, 57. Both were part of the Special Operations Group (SOG) in the Kiyar sector of Dachchan.
They had been assigned to report to the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles Temporary Operating Base in the Marwah sector on Wednesday morning as part of a rotational deployment but failed to reach the camp.
Their disappearance prompted search operations in the area.
Their bodies were subsequently recovered on Thursday, around two to three kilometres from the point where they were last seen.
Security forces launched cordon-and-search operations across the adjoining forest areas, deploying additional personnel, drones and sniffer dogs to trace those responsible.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said police were investigating the possibility of a militant attack as well as other leads.
Some reports, quoting unnamed sources, suggested that the two SPOs were ambushed by militants affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed while passing through a dense forest stretch. However, there was no official confirmation of the circumstances surrounding their killing.
Security forces have established temporary operating bases in remote areas of Kishtwar and adjoining districts amid intelligence inputs about militant presence.
The Dachchan-Marwah belt has witnessed reports of suspicious movement in recent months. Security officials have previously estimated that around 20 to 30 militants were operating in the erstwhile Doda district region, which includes Kishtwar.
Following the killings, security was tightened across Kishtwar, with additional checkpoints established and searches intensified.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited Kishtwar to assess the security situation and review operational preparedness. He also held a meeting with senior Army and central paramilitary officers, officials said.
There was no detailed official statement on the circumstances of the killings or the progress of the investigation till Thursday evening.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the killings and conveyed condolences to the families of the two personnel.
Condemning the violence, he said he stood in solidarity with the bereaved families and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.
