Jammu Kashmir - In a distressing turn of events, the body of an Indian Army soldier, identified as Hilal Ahmed Bhat, was discovered in the Kokarnag forest of Anantnag district following a harrowing incident involving the abduction of two personnel by suspected terrorists. The search operation, which spanned the night, was initiated after the soldiers were reported missing during a patrol in the region. The incident unfolded on October 8, coinciding with the announcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results.
During an anti-terror operation, two soldiers from the 161 unit of the Territorial Army were ambushed while patrolling the forest area. In a stroke of luck, one of the soldiers managed to escape, despite being shot and suffering a shoulder injury. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. According to reports, the army, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies, launched a comprehensive search operation based on intelligence inputs regarding terrorist activities in the area. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the body of soldier Hilal Ahmed Bhat was later recovered, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by security forces in the region.
This shocking incident has reignited concerns about the safety of army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has witnessed similar abductions in the past. In 2020, another soldier was kidnapped by terrorists, and although extensive search operations were conducted, it took nearly a year for authorities to find his remains. Local authorities and the military have emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and coordination in counter-terrorism efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The loss of soldier Bhat has deeply affected the community, as both abducted jawans hailed from Anantnag district, underscoring the personal toll that such acts of violence take on families and friends. As investigations continue, the army is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel while also addressing the challenges posed by insurgency in the region.
