Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir – In a tragic turn of events, the bullet-ridden body of Territorial Army (TA) soldier Hilal Ahmad Bhat was recovered on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in the dense Sanglan forest area of Utrasoo in Anantnag district, officials confirmed. Bhat, a resident of Mukhdampur, Nowgam, went missing on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, after a joint counter-terrorism operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Kazwan Forest near Kokernag.
The Incident
Bhat, along with another TA soldier, was part of a reconnaissance mission in the Kokernag forest when they encountered a group of heavily armed militants. According to sources, the soldiers were dispatched to pinpoint militant movement in the area when they were ambushed. One soldier managed to escape with a shoulder injury after being shot by the militants, while Bhat was abducted and later found dead. The injured soldier was immediately evacuated to the 439 Field Hospital for treatment.
A massive search operation was launched immediately after Bhat was reported missing. Despite the army's concerted efforts, Bhat’s body was found late Wednesday in the rugged and forested terrain of Kokernag. His remains were taken to a hospital for post-mortem and other medical formalities.
Ongoing Anti-Militancy Operations
The abduction and killing of TA personnel occurred during an ongoing operation based on intelligence inputs regarding militant activity in the region. The operation was part of a broader counter-terrorism effort by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies to crack down on militant movements in the Kashmir Valley, particularly in the southern regions of Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam.
In a post on X, the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed, "A joint counter-terrorism operation was launched by #IndianArmy along with @JmuKmrPolice in Kazwan Forest, #Kokernag on October 8, 2024. The operation continued overnight after one Territorial Army soldier went missing."
Pattern of Targeting Soldiers
The abduction and killing of soldiers in Kashmir are not isolated incidents. In recent years, militants have increasingly targeted security personnel, especially off-duty soldiers in South Kashmir. The abduction of TA soldiers has seen a spike, with militants often using such incidents to send a message of fear and intimidation. Since 2019, more than five soldiers have been abducted, mostly in the Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam districts, with one recent case reported from Budgam.
In August 2023, a soldier from Kulgam went missing while on leave. He was later found by the police. Another soldier, Yasin Bhat, narrowly escaped abduction in 2019 when terrorists stormed his home in Budgam. Such incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region, where militants frequently target personnel associated with counter-insurgency operations.
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The Larger Context: Anti-Terror Operations in J&K
Just days before Bhat’s tragic death, the Indian Army and security forces neutralized two terrorists in the Keran sector of Kupwara district, recovering a large cache of weapons and warlike stores. This operation, like many others, underscores the synergy between intelligence agencies, the Indian Army, and Jammu and Kashmir Police in their relentless pursuit of militants in the region.
The constant threat posed by militant groups operating across the Line of Control (LoC) remains a significant concern for Indian forces. These groups, often heavily armed and well-trained, continue to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir, seeking to destabilize the region. The successful operations, however, reaffirm the commitment of security forces to safeguard the peace and harmony of the Valley.
The killing of Hilal Ahmad Bhat is yet another reminder of the sacrifices made by security personnel in their fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and death unfolds, security forces remain steadfast in their commitment to countering militant threats in the region.
With heightened operations and vigilant troops on the ground, the Indian Army and security agencies are determined to neutralize militants aiming to disrupt peace in the Kashmir Valley.
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