Bullet-ridden body of abducted army jawan found in Kashmir's Anantnag

The bullet-ridden body of 26-year-old Territorial Army soldier Hilal Ahmad Bhat was recovered on Wednesday morning from the Sanglan forest area in Utrasoo, Anantnag. Bhat had been reported missing since October 8, when he and another soldier were sent to investigate a tip-off about terrorist activity in the Kokernag region. This tragic discovery comes amid ongoing tensions and violence in the region.

Bhat and his colleague were part of the 162 Battalion of the Territorial Army, tasked with conducting reconnaissance in the Hornag Shangus forest area. Reports indicate that while the two soldiers were attempting to verify intelligence on militant movements, they encountered armed terrorists. One soldier managed to escape with injuries, while Bhat was taken hostage by the militants.

Following the abduction, a massive search operation was launched by the Army's Chinar Corps, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies. The operation involved extensive ground searches and intelligence gathering throughout the night, demonstrating the urgency of locating the missing soldier. Despite these efforts, Bhat's body was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. The killing of Bhat is part of a disturbing trend in Kashmir, where numerous soldiers and local police have been targeted by militants in recent years. In the past eight years, more than five soldiers have been abducted and killed in various incidents, predominantly in the Shopian and Kulgam districts.