Srinagar, Oct 08: Security forces have intensified a large-scale search operation in the dense forests of Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to locate two missing soldiers who lost contact with their unit during an ongoing anti-terror operation, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The operation was initiated two days ago in the Ahlan Gadole area following intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of a group of terrorists. During the course of the combing exercise, two personnel from an elite para unit went missing after their communication link snapped, prompting the Army to launch an extensive manhunt supported by aerial surveillance. Helicopters have been deployed for reconnaissance to trace the missing soldiers amid challenging terrain and thick foliage.
Ahlan Gadole, once a relatively quiet zone, has emerged as a new hotspot of militancy in Kashmir. The area witnessed two major encounters in recent years — one in September 2023 and another in August 2024. Last year’s fierce gunfight claimed the lives of two soldiers and a civilian, while four security personnel, including two Army officers and a police officer, were martyred in a prolonged engagement with terrorists this August.
Officials said the ongoing operation remains active with forces maintaining a tight cordon around the forested region to prevent any escape attempts by militants. The situation continues to be closely monitored as reinforcements have been rushed to the site.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, a counter-terror operation entered its second day in Rajouri district where an encounter broke out on Tuesday evening in the Beeranthub area of Kandi following reports of terrorist movement. The Special Operations Group of police initially came under fire, after which Army and CRPF units joined the operation.
Exchange of fire continued late into the night, though no casualties were reported till last reports came in. Security forces have expanded their search to adjoining forest belts to neutralize the remaining militants and ensure the area’s complete sanitization.
