Security forces on Wednesday recovered the bullet-ridden body of a missing Territorial Army jawan, Hilal Ahmad Bhat, from the Sanglan forest area in Utrasoo, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, reports PTI. The 26-year-old soldier had been reported missing on Tuesday during an anti-militancy operation in the Kokernag forests. Bhat’s body has been taken to a hospital for medical formalities, officials confirmed.
The search for the soldier began after he went missing during a joint counter-terrorist operation launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies in the Kazwan forest, Kokernag. Based on intelligence inputs, the operation was initiated on October 8 to track down militants operating in the region. The search intensified after the soldier’s disappearance was reported.
According to security sources, two territorial army personnel were sent on a reconnaissance mission to identify militant movement in the forest area. However, the duo encountered a group of militants. One of the soldiers managed to escape despite being shot in the shoulder, and he was later evacuated to the army’s 439 Field Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, Hilal Ahmad Bhat was abducted by the militants during the encounter.
Reports suggest that the group of militants involved in the abduction included 3-4 individuals, with initial intelligence indicating that at least two of them may be foreign nationals. The incident has raised serious concerns about security in the area, and additional forces have been deployed to track down the militants.
This tragic incident comes amid heightened efforts by security forces to combat militancy in the region. The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps had confirmed the abduction and ongoing operation through a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that massive search efforts were underway. The recovery of the soldier’s body has added urgency to the ongoing operation, as forces continue to pursue the militants responsible for the attack.
The situation remains tense in the region as security forces intensify their operations to ensure the safety of the area and prevent further attacks.