Two Indian Army paratroopers have gone missing in the upper reaches of Kokernag in South Kashmir while participating in a counter-terror operation, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday. The soldiers were part of a special forces team engaged in the operation when a sudden deterioration in weather conditions sharply reduced visibility in the high-altitude area.
In response to the situation, a large-scale search and rescue operation has been initiated, involving the Army and local police. Ground troops are working alongside drones and sniffer dogs to navigate the dense forest terrain, while additional reinforcements have been deployed to enhance the search efforts.
According to defense sources, the mission in Kokernag was launched following credible intelligence suggesting the presence of armed terrorists in the region. However, the adverse weather conditions resulted in a temporary loss of communication with the two paratroopers, complicating the search.
To ensure the safety of the missing soldiers and to curb any potential terrorist activity, security forces have cordoned off the area and ramped up surveillance operations. As of now, the search continues amid challenging terrain and inclement weather conditions, with officials remaining hopeful for a successful outcome.
