Two missing policemen found dead in J&K’s Kishtwar

Kishtwar has remained the focus of counter-insurgency operations, with security forces continuing efforts to eliminate the remaining terrorist presence in its remote and forested areas. (Representative image) | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) of the J&K Police who were part of an anti-terror operation were found dead with gunshot wounds a day after they went missing in a dense forest area in the upper reaches of the Chenab Valley, officials said on Thursday (Nov 12, 2026).

Official sources said the bodies were spotted after a massive search was launched in Kijar sector of Kishtwar’s Dachhan on Wednesday (Nov 11, 2026). The victims were identified as SPO Rashpal Kumar, 45, and SPO Bobby Chand, 57, both residents of Kiyar Dachhan, Kishtwar.

Initial reports suggested that the duo went missing after accompanying a team of 17 Rashtriya Rifles to the densely forested Basnan area of ​​the upper reaches of Kishtwar. The SPOs were part of the Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) set up by the J&K Police following increased terrorist activity in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir since 2020. However, both failed to report back to the TOB Camp Dharna, Marwah Sector, Kishtwar on Wednesday (November 11, 2026).

Official sources said the area resonated with gunfire after the pair went missing. The mobile phones of the missing policemen also ran out of power after some time.

However, the police have not issued any official statement regarding the incident. They did not confirm the participation of terrorists in it.

The death of the two missing SPOs came a day after terrorists opened fire on the CRPF in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, injuring three personnel.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 06:45 IST