Srinagar , OCt 8 : The body of a Territorial Army (TA) jawan has been recovered from the Utrusu forest in Kokernag area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir. The jawan, Hilal Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Mukedhampora Nowgam, was missing since Tuesday evening. A senior police officer said that after receiving information about the jawan’s disappearance, a massive search operation was launched on Wednesday morning. The search operation involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies.
Earlier, the Chinar Corps had said in a post that based on an intelligence input, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint counter-terrorism operation in the Kajwan forest area on October 8. The operation continued overnight as a Territorial Army jawan went missing. Security forces continued to search for the missing jawan in the forest during the operation. They were searched intensively and the body of the jawan was recovered. Officials said the body will be handed over to the family after the necessary procedure.
However, the investigation into the cause of the jawan’s death is ongoing. The police have started a preliminary investigation into the matter to find out how the jawan went missing and what were the circumstances behind his death. The news of the jawan’s death has sent a wave of mourning in the local area. Both the local people and the administration are expressing condolences to the jawan’s family.
A senior security forces official said, “This is a sad incident, and we stand with the jawan’s family. Our priority is to investigate the matter thoroughly so that the correct information about this incident can be obtained.” Recalling the contribution and sacrifice of Hilal Ahmed Bhat, the local community has saluted his bravery. A large number of people attended the jawan’s last rites, who came to pay their tributes to him.