What Happened to the Two Soldiers Missing in J&K’s Kokernag?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two soldiers are missing during an anti-terror operation in J&K.
- Search operations are hampered by severe weather conditions.
- Authorities are investigating to ensure security in the region.
- Joint forces are actively combating terrorism and its funding sources.
- There is ongoing scrutiny of drug trafficking linked to terrorism.
Srinagar, Oct 8 (NationPress) Two soldiers are currently unaccounted for amid an anti-terror operation in the Kokernag region of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, as reported by sources on Wednesday.
As per official accounts, the two army members lost contact with their unit while operating in the elevated terrains of the Kokernag area.
"An extensive search operation has been initiated in the thickly wooded areas to locate the soldiers, who may have lost touch with their unit due to adverse weather conditions experienced over the past two days. It is believed that the two soldiers could have wandered off from their team because of poor visibility and challenging terrain caused by recent snowfall," disclosed a source.
The soldiers were part of a small contingent that commenced a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the vicinity on Tuesday.
Since then, there has been no communication established with them. Helicopters have been deployed to support ground troops in the search efforts.
"The operation to locate the missing soldiers continues, with the army, other security forces, and local police systematically combing the forests to find them," the source reiterated.
However, there is yet to be an official confirmation regarding the disappearance of the two soldiers.
Joint forces, including the army, other security agencies, and J&K Police, have been conducting rigorous anti-terrorism operations targeting militants, their associates, and sympathizers to dismantle the entire terror network within the Union Territory.
Security agencies at both the central and UT levels have been seizing properties linked to terrorists, their associates, and sympathizers, as well as those involved in drug trafficking.
Authorities believe that the revenue generated from drug trafficking and hawala money transactions ultimately sustains terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Local police forces, including the Crime Branch, the State Investigation Agency (SIA), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), are actively conducting targeted operations against terror operatives involved in economic crimes, among other offenses.