Two Army Soldiers Go Missing in South Kashmir Amid Heavy Snow; Search and Rescue Ongoing

Here’s a polished news copy incorporating the Indian Army statement:

SRINAGAR, Oct 8: Two Indian Army soldiers went out of communication in the Kishtwar range of South Kashmir after an operational team encountered severe snowstorm and whiteout conditions on the intervening night of 6/7 October, the Army said on Wednesday.

In an official statement, Chinar Corps said: “Since then, two soldiers have gone out of communication. Intense Search and Rescue operations have been launched, but efforts have been hampered due to prevailing adverse weather conditions.”

The soldiers were part of a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the mountainous terrain of South Kashmir, which is characterised by dense forests, steep ridges, and high-altitude passes. Officials said poor visibility, heavy snowfall, and difficult terrain may have caused the soldiers to lose contact with their unit.

Helicopters and ground teams have been deployed to aid the search, though the inclement weather continues to slow operations. “Every possible effort is being made to locate the soldiers safely,” a senior Army official said.

While authorities have not officially declared the soldiers missing, temporary loss of communication is not uncommon under adverse weather and operational conditions in the region. The incident underscores the hazards faced by troops during counter-terror and security operations in high-altitude zones, where weather and terrain can complicate movements and rescue efforts.

Security sources said the search and rescue operation is ongoing round the clock, involving coordinated efforts by the Army, local police, and other security agencies. Advanced surveillance, communication, and navigation equipment are being used to improve the chances of locating the missing soldiers.

Officials emphasised that the operation is part of broader initiatives to neutralise threats in South Kashmir, where anti-national elements often exploit remote, rugged terrain to evade detection.

The Indian Army has assured that all resources will be deployed to ensure the safe recovery of the soldiers at the earliest, while warning that the operation remains challenging due to continuous snowfall and whiteout conditions in the Kishtwar and surrounding ranges.