While several parts of Kashmir were witnessing celebrations to mark the victory of the National Conference (NC) candidates in the recently held Assembly polls, a pall of gloom descended upon the residence of a missing soldier hailing from the Nowgam area of Anantnag. His bullet-ridden body was recovered from the forest area of Pathribal on Wednesday.

The soldier went missing during a counter-terrorist operation launched in the forest area of Kokernag in Anantnag on October 8.

In a post on social media platform X, Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said, “Based on intelligence input, a joint counter-terrorist operation was launched by the Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies in Kazwan Forest in Kokernag on October 8.

The operation continued overnight as one soldier of the Territorial Army was reported missing.”

According to preliminary reports, two jawans of the Territorial army were reportedly kidnapped by the terrorists from the forest area of Anantnag late Tuesday evening during the counter-terrorist operation. One of the jawans, despite receiving bullet injuries, managed to escape, while the body of another soldier was recovered on Wednesday.

The deceased soldier has been identified as Hilal Ahmad Bhat of Nowgam village of Anantnag. The condition of another soldier, who managed to flee, was stated to be stable.

The deceased soldier is survived by his wife, five-year-old son, Azaan, and a minor daughter.

Paying tributes in the memory of a deceased soldier, Chinar Corps said, “We honor the supreme sacrifice of Rifleman Hilal Ahmad Bhat, in the line of duty for the Nation. His courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses its deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved family”.