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Bullet-Riddled Bodies Of Two Missing SPOs Recovered In J&K’s Kishtwar, Search For Terrorists Underway
In Short
The bullet-riddled bodies of two missing SPOs were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, prompting a major search operation as agencies investigate a possible Lashkar-e-Taiba link.
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Bullet-Riddled Bodies Of Two Missing SPOs Recovered In J&K’s Kishtwar, Search For Terrorists Underway
The bullet-riddled bodies of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) who were missing since gunshots were heard in Kishtwar district in the state's Jammu division on Wednesday were recovered from the village of Dachan in the forest area Thursday morning. Security forces are conducting a major investigation to track down the killers and investigators are looking at a possible terror motive.
The names of the dead members have been identified as Rishipal Singh, 45, and Bobby Chand, 57. They were both shot more than once and their service weapons are missing, sources said.
Two SPOs went missing while on movement in forest area
The two people were reportedly returning from Kiyar Dachhan to Basnan in Inderwan area of Upper Ridge Deharna when they heard gunfire at about 3.30 pm on Wednesday.
They were reportedly part of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and were on their way to relieve an Army team from the 17 Rashtriya Rifles deployed at Basnan.
Shortly after the firing had been reported, an SOG team and the Station House Officer headed towards the vicinity. A search of the missing persons was initiated around 7pm.
Their bodies were later discovered in the forest of Dachan, almost two kilometres away from where they were last seen. The body of one of the two was recovered about 8 am on Thursday and the other at about 9 am.
The report also indicated that Airtel Mobile network services were also affected around the same time while in the Marwah area.
Security Forces Carry Out Search Operation
There has been an upsurge in work by security forces to identify and trace the killers. The possibility of a terror attack is being investigated.
The first indications indicate that at least three terrorists were involved, one of which is believed to be foreign nationals.
Lashkar-e-Taiba network is also being investigated. Three suspected Lashkar overground workers (OGWs) are being questioned and the involvement of local OGWs in conducting reconnaissance and giving shelter or logistical assistance to the attackers is being investigated.
Security forces have set up blockades and are stepping up their search efforts in the area. Police have also been combing through CCTV footage, with investigators reportedly picking up several crucial clues from the cameras set up in the area.
BJP MLA is blaming Pakistan for the situation, demands action
BJP MLA from Kishtwar Shagun Parihar termed the killings as “truly tragic incident”. She said that the two SPOs went missing on Wednesday night and bodies were recovered on Thursday morning.
Parihar, however, attributed the incident to Pakistan, which is still engaged in its “nefarious conspiracies”. She asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and sought for a “fourfold” response in the wake of the loss of two lives.
The MLA also added that he was heading towards the area.
Security Agencies had Received Diwali Alert
Earlier, security agencies had received general intelligence inputs regarding possible attack around Diwali, according to the report.
Additionally, there is a concern that terrorist might shift from higher elevations to lower elevations before the winter.
The vast majority of the terrorists suspected to operate in the region are thought to be Pakistani nationals affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba. As per the reports there is only one local terrorist in Kashmir at present.
The investigation into the killings is ongoing, with security forces still searching for the suspects behind the killings.
