Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the forest areas of Kishtwar after the recovery of the bodies of two missing Special Police Officers (SPOs). Additional reinforcements are being rushed to the area, and drones and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service.
The operation is under way in the forest belt of Deherna and adjoining areas of Marwah, where the bodies of SPO Rashpal and SPO Babbi Chand were found. They had gone missing on Wednesday while proceeding towards a temporary operating base of the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles.
Officials said additional personnel have been called in to intensify the search and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Drones are being used, while sniffer dogs have been deployed to help security teams track possible movement through the difficult forest terrain.
The two SPOs, both deployed at Police Post Kiyar, had gone missing after proceeding towards Deherna Top to join their rotational duty at the Army base. Firing involving around 20 to 25 rounds was reported from the Bachnan forest area, falling within the Anderwan Forest Block of Deherna, at about 4:30 pm on the same day.
The personnel had been accompanied up to Kiyar Top by a Special Operations Group party from Police Post Kiyar. They then proceeded towards the base along with pony porters but failed to reach their destination.
A joint search involving Police Station Marwah, SOG Marwah and Army personnel of 17 Rashtriya Rifles was launched after their disappearance. Following the recovery of the bodies, the operation has been intensified, with forces focusing on surrounding forest stretches to trace those responsible and locate the missing service weapons. Both SPOs were carrying service rifles and ammunition, and their weapons have reportedly not been recovered so far.
The difficult terrain and dense forest cover have added to the challenges for the search teams, and security forces are continuing operations to establish the sequence of events and determine how the two men died.
Kishtwar’s forested upper reaches, including Marwah and Deherna, have been the scene of counter-terror operations in recent years, and movement between remote posts often involves long treks on foot with porters. Authorities have not said who is responsible, and the police have not announced the cause of death, so no conclusion should be drawn until the investigation is complete.
Further details are awaited from the police and the Army. The missing weapons are a key concern for the forces, since their recovery would help establish the sequence of events and prevent their misuse.
