KOKERNAG: The body of a paratrooper who had gone missing during an anti-militant operation in the upper reaches of Kokernag in South Kashmir has been recovered, officials said on Thursday. The soldier is believed to have died following an avalanche or snowstorm that struck the high-altitude area three days ago.
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Officials said the recovered soldier was found with his rucksack and service weapon intact, indicating he was part of an ongoing search and cordon operation launched earlier this week in the mountainous terrain. The identity of the deceased soldier has not been officially revealed yet.
The incident reportedly occurred when the team of paratroopers, operating under adverse weather conditions, was hit by a sudden snowstorm. Following the incident, contact was lost with two personnel, prompting immediate rescue efforts despite challenging terrain and low visibility.
A senior Army officer confirmed that massive search operations are continuing to locate the second missing soldier. “Despite rough weather and difficult topography, joint teams of the Army and police are on the job to trace the missing personnel,” he said.
Authorities are assessing the circumstances that led to the tragedy, even as operations in the area continue to ensure there is no militant presence in the sector. -[KNT]
