A massive search operation has been launched in the dense forests of South Kashmir after two soldiers from the Indian Army&rsquo;s elite para unit went missing during a combing operation in the Gadool area of Kokernag, Anantnag district, on Tuesday night.
The Army reportedly lost contact with the personnel while they were conducting a counter-insurgency sweep in a region known for its difficult terrain and history of militant activity. &ldquo;It is a dense forest with deep gorges and steep slopes,&rdquo; said a source familiar with the operation, adding that the area witnessed heavy snowfall on Monday evening, complicating the search efforts.
Large contingents of Army troops have since been deployed to comb &ldquo;every inch&rdquo; of the forest in an attempt to trace the missing soldiers. The circumstances leading to their disappearance remain unclear, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of militant involvement.
The Gadool forests have long been a hotspot for militant activity. In 2023, a fierce encounter in the same region claimed the lives of Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Donchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzamil. Intelligence inputs in recent years have pointed to the presence of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives in the area.
Security agencies are maintaining a high alert across the district, with additional reinforcements brought in from nearby camps. The Army has not issued an official statement yet, but top military officials are closely monitoring the situation.
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Two Soldiers Missing in South Kashmir Forests

Army launches massive search in Gadool forests after two para commandos go missing

Two Soldiers Missing in South Kashmir Forests

Army launches massive search in Gadool forests after two para commandos go missing

October 8, 2025 | 16:09 IST