J&K: Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) went missing in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Wednesday. Both the policemen were deployed in the high-altitude area of the Dachan area. As soon as information about his disappearance was received, the police and army jointly started a large-scale search operation. According to officials, both the soldiers were going from a police camp to the army post but did not reach their destination. Their mobile phones were on initially but were later switched off.
Who are the two missing policemen?
The missing SPOs have been identified as 57-year-old Bobby Chand and 45-year-old Rashpal Kumar. Both were associated with the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the local police. He was posted in the camp located in Kiyar village of Dachan.
According to officials, both of them had left Kiar Camp on Wednesday for Dharna-Marwah army post. But even after a lot of time passed, they did not reach their destination. Initially there was contact on their mobile phones, but later both their phones got switched off. After this the concern of security agencies increased.
How is the operation being conducted to search for both the SPOs?
After the disappearance of both the policemen, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Army’s Rashtriya Rifles have started a joint search operation. Teams of security forces are searching the surrounding hilly and forest areas.
According to officials, the operation is facing challenges due to inaccessible roads and dense forests. At present, it has not been confirmed that any terrorist activity was behind the disappearance of both of them. Officials have said that it would be premature to reach any conclusion before complete information is available.
Have terrorist incidents happened before in Kishtwar?
Kishtwar district has been important for security agencies in terms of anti-terrorism operations for the last few years. Continuous operations are being conducted to eliminate the presence of terrorists in the remote and forested areas of the district.
According to the data, five people, including four terrorists and one army soldier, died in terrorist incidents in 2026. At the same time, in 2025, four people including three terrorists and a soldier had lost their lives. In 2024, three security personnel and two civilians were killed.
What appeal did the administration make to the local people?
On October 4, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma had appealed to the people of Marwah, Warwan and Dachan to unite against terrorism. He had urged people to immediately give information about the activities of suspected terrorists to the security forces.
He had said that there is a lot of tourism potential in these areas, but due to the presence of active terrorists, the movement of tourists is being affected. The administration believes that tourism and development can be promoted by maintaining peace and security in the area.
At present, the search for both the SPOs is going on and security agencies are trying to find out the circumstances of their disappearance.
