Two SPOs Found Dead After Kishtwar Anti-Terror Operation
Two Special Police Officers were discovered deceased with bullet wounds in Kishtwar's dense forests after going missing during an anti-terror operation.
The Cliff News | 12 November 2026
Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been found dead with bullet wounds in the remote, forested upper reaches of Kishtwar. The officers had been missing since Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following their participation in an anti-terror operation.
Their bodies were discovered on Thursday, November 12, 2026, after a large-scale search operation was initiated in the Kiyar Sector of Kishtwar’s Dachhan area. The deceased have been identified as SPO Rashpal Kumar, aged 45, and SPO Bobby Chand, aged 57. Both were residents of Kiyar Dachhan, Kishtwar.
Search Operation Launched After Disappearance
Initial reports indicate that the two SPOs went missing after accompanying a team from the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles. They had reportedly escorted the team up to the Basnan area, a region characterized by dense forests in Kishtwar’s upper reaches.
The SPOs were part of the Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) established by the J&K Police. These bases were set up in response to increased terrorist activity observed in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir since 2020. However, both officers failed to report back to the TOB Camp Dharna, located in Sector Marwah, Kishtwar, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, triggering immediate concern.
Kishtwar's Counter-Insurgency Focus
Kishtwar district has been a significant focus for counter-insurgency operations. Security forces continue to make efforts to dismantle the remaining terrorist presence in its remote and forested terrains. The presence of TOBs highlights the ongoing challenges and security strategies employed in the region.
The incident underscores the inherent risks faced by security personnel engaged in anti-terror operations in challenging geographical environments. The investigation into the exact circumstances leading to the deaths of SPO Kumar and SPO Chand is expected to continue as authorities work to ascertain the full details of the operation and the events that transpired.