Body of missing soldier found in snowbound Kashmir forest, search on for 2nd

SRINAGAR: The body of one of two soldiers missing in Ahlan Gadol forest of Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district since October 6 was recovered Thursday, officials said. The soldier is believed to have died in a weather-related accident during a patrol in the high-altitude, snowbound area .

His rucksack and service weapon were found intact beside him. Authorities have withheld his identity pending further procedures. A search continues for the second missing soldier.

The Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps wrote on X: “On the intervening night of 6/7 October an operational team on Kishtwar range confronted a severe snow storm and white out conditions in the mountains of South Kashmir. Since then, two soldiers have gone out of communication.”

Officials said the men likely strayed amid worsening weather in the mountain range running from Anantnag to Kishtwar in Jammu region. Preliminary assessments point to an avalanche or snowstorm as the cause.

Helicopters have been deployed to aid ground teams in the search. Operations have been slowed by deep snow and poor visibility. Temperatures across Kashmir valley have plunged nearly 10 degrees Celsius since Monday following fresh snowfall in higher reaches.