In the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, two Special Police Officers vanished during what should have been a routine patrol. Rashpal Kumar, 45, and Bobi Chand, 57, were traveling from Kiyaar camp to the Dharana-Marwa military camp when they went out of contact. Their mobile phones were switched off, and locals reported hearing gunshots in the forested stretch between Kiyar and Dherana. The disappearance triggered immediate concern, as the officers were armed and operating in an area with a history of militant activity.
Days after their disappearance, the bodies of the two missing officers were found in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar on November 11. The discovery brought little relief, as the bodies showed gunshot wounds, and their service weapons were missing. "The bodies have been found but weapons are missing," an official confirmed, highlighting the troubling circumstances of their deaths. The recovery operation involved a joint effort by police, National Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), underscoring the gravity of the situation.
🚨 NEW #India #Kashmir TWO MISSING POLICE OFFICERS FOUND SHOT DEAD IN KISHTWAR!
The officers had been en route to a temporary base of 17 Rashtriya Rifles in Marwah when they disappeared. The route they took, through dense forests and difficult terrain, is known to be challenging even for experienced security personnel. While counter-insurgency operations have weakened terrorist presence in the region, the difficult terrain continues to pose significant operational challenges for security forces. The missing weapons have raised concerns they may fall into the wrong hands, potentially escalating tensions in an already volatile area.
Security forces are investigating the incident and have leads to follow.
As the search for the missing officers continued, a separate terrorist attack unfolded in Kulgam district. Terrorists targeted a CRPF checkpost near Mir Bazar, attacking the personnel. The attack left three CRPF personnel injured, with two in stable condition and one in critical condition. The critically injured officer was airlifted to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for specialized treatment. Security forces are investigating the incident and have leads to follow.
#WATCH | Kishtwar, J&K | Ramban Police and the public observe a two-minute silence to pay tribute to the two J&K Police SPOs who lost their lives in the line of duty https://t.co/U76h7HqDWD
The incidents have highlighted the personal sacrifices made by those serving in Jammu and Kashmir's security apparatus. Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by security personnel in the region. "3 CRPF personnel injured, one in critical condition. Praying for their fast recovery," tweeted Kanha, reflecting the widespread concern for the injured personnel and their families.
Security forces have launched intensive search operations in both Kishtwar and Kulgam districts. In Kulgam, investigators suspect the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based militant group known for its activities in Kashmir. Meanwhile, in Baramulla, police arrested an individual in possession of a grenade, preventing what could have been another attack. The region remains on high alert as security forces work to locate the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
J&K: Bullet-riddled bodies of two missing SPOs found in Kishtwar, service weapons missing Writes: @santjk https://t.co/JnP7sWUrHO
The incidents underscore the persistent security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in its remote and forested areas. While counter-insurgency operations have reduced the overall threat, the difficult terrain and determined militants continue to pose significant risks. The recovery of the officers' bodies without their weapons has raised questions about the effectiveness of security protocols in such volatile regions. As the search for answers continues, the families of the fallen officers and the injured CRPF personnel await justice and peace in a region that has known too little of both.
