In a developing incident amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, two elite commandos from the Indian Army’s 5 Para (Special Forces) unit have been reported missing since Monday in the dense Gadole forest area of Kokernag, south Kashmir. The Indian Army has launched an extensive search and rescue operation, involving ground teams, drones, and specialized units, to locate the personnel.
The commandos, whose identities have not been disclosed, were part of a routine patrol in the heavily forested and rugged terrain of Gadole, a region notorious for its challenging topography and history of militant activity. Sources familiar with the operation indicated that the duo was separated from their unit during a sudden weather shift and possible ambush-like conditions, though details remain classified. The 5 Para unit, renowned for its expertise in high-altitude warfare and counter-insurgency, has been actively deployed in the area to neutralize terror threats along the Line of Control.
Eyewitness accounts from local villagers near Kokernag reported hearing intermittent gunfire late Monday evening, followed by heavy fog that blanketed the forest, complicating visibility. The Army’s Northern Command has mobilized additional reinforcements, including sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance, to comb the 20-square-kilometer search zone. As of early Wednesday, no confirmed sightings or communications have been established, heightening concerns for the commandos’ safety.”
This is a high-priority mission, and every resource is being utilized to ensure their swift recovery,” a senior Army spokesperson stated from Srinagar, emphasizing the resilience of the Para SF personnel trained for such extreme environments. The incident underscores the perilous nature of operations in Kashmir, where elite units like 5 Para routinely face ambushes, minefields, and harsh weather while combating insurgent groups.
The search efforts are being coordinated with local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with cordons established to secure the perimeter against potential militant interference. Rescue teams are focusing on ravines and streams within Gadole, where disorientation is common due to the thick undergrowth and elevation changes exceeding 8,000 feet.
The Indian Army has appealed to the public for any information that could aid the operation, while assuring that the incident will not disrupt ongoing security measures in the region. Further updates are expected as the search progresses, with hopes running high for a positive resolution given the commandos’ elite training and survival skills.
This event comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in south Kashmir, following recent encounters that eliminated several militants. The 5 Para unit, part of the Parachute Regiment’s Special Forces, has a storied legacy, including pivotal roles in the Kargil War and UN peacekeeping missions, making the current situation all the more poignant for the armed forces community.
