Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir: A major security scare has emerged from Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district after two Special Police Officers (SPOs), who had gone missing during routine duty, were found dead with bullet injuries. Their bodies were recovered on Thursday, triggering fresh concerns over security in the region.

The two personnel were part of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and were deployed in the Kiyar area of Dachhan in Kishtwar. They had reportedly gone missing on Wednesday while travelling from their camp towards an Army post in Dharna-Mandwa.

After the personnel failed to return at the scheduled time, security forces immediately launched an extensive search operation across the area.

On Thursday, the search teams recovered the bodies of both officers, reportedly riddled with bullets. Initial information suggests that their service weapons were also missing, raising suspicions of a possible terrorist involvement. However, the exact circumstances behind their deaths remain under investigation.

The deceased have been identified as Rashpal Kumar, 40, son of Brij Nath, and Bobby Chand, 54, son of Jodh Ram. Both were serving with the Special Operations Group in Kiyar village of Dachhan.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir following another attack on security personnel in Kulgam district.

On Wednesday afternoon, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at a security checkpoint in Kulgam, injuring three Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

Security forces have intensified operations and cordoned off the affected areas in both incidents. Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify those responsible.

The twin incidents have once again raised concerns over security in Jammu and Kashmir, with agencies maintaining heightened vigilance across vulnerable areas.