The body of a paratrooper who went missing during an anti-militant operation in the higher reaches of Kokernag in South Kashmir has been recovered, officials said on Thursday.
The soldier is believed to have died after an avalanche or snowstorm hit the high-altitude area three days ago.
Officials said the recovered soldier was discovered with his rucksack and service weapon intact, showing he was part of an ongoing search and cordon operation launched earlier this week in the mountainous terrain. The identity of the soldier has not been officially disclosed.
The incident reportedly happened when a group of paratroopers, operating in harsh weather conditions, was struck by a sudden snowstorm. Contact was lost with two soldiers, prompting immediate rescue efforts despite challenging terrain and low visibility.
A senior Army officer said search operations were still ongoing to locate the second missing soldier. “Despite rough weather and difficult topography, joint teams of the Army and police are working to trace the missing personnel,” he said.
Authorities are also assessing the circumstances that led to the tragedy, even as operations continue in the area to ensure there is no militant presence in the sector.
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