What Happened in Kashmir’s Gadole Forest? Two Indian Soldiers Missing

Army teams are looking for the other paratrooper.(Photo: IANS)

Srinagar - October 9, 2025 – A massive search operation entered its third day today as the Indian Army scoured the dense Gadol forests of Kokernag in Anantnag district, South Kashmir, for two elite paratroopers from the 5 Para (Special Forces) unit who went missing during a severe snowstorm on the night of October 6-7. The commandos, both Agniveers, were part of an operational team conducting a routine patrol along the Kishtwar range when they lost communication amid whiteout conditions and heavy snowfall.

The incident unfolded in the rugged, forested terrain straddling the Anantnag-Kishtwar border, an area notorious for its challenging geography and history of militant activity. No evidence of terrorist involvement has been confirmed, with Army sources indicating the soldiers likely fell behind their unit and became disoriented in the storm. "On the intervening night of 6/7 Oct, 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," the Army's Chinar Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 8, underscoring the urgency of the Intense Search and Rescue efforts.

The joint operation involves coordinated teams from the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police, deploying over 200 personnel to comb the Ahlan Gadol forest belt from both the Kokernag and Kishtwar sides.

Local residents have been urged to assist by reporting any sightings, as the search faces compounded challenges from the region's isolation—elevations reaching 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) and limited access roads. As of this morning, one paratrooper's body was tragically recovered from a ravine in the Gadol forest, believed to have succumbed to hypothermia or injuries sustained in a fall. Efforts to locate the second soldier continue unabated, with hopes pinned on favorable weather windows.

The Gadol forests, spanning over 100 square kilometers of thick pine cover and steep escarpments, have long been a hotspot for counter-terrorism operations. In September 2023, a fierce encounter in the same area claimed the lives of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzammil, alongside two militants, highlighting the persistent security threats. Recent intelligence suggests sporadic militant movements, though the current incident appears weather-related.

The 5 Para unit, renowned for its specialized training in airborne assaults and covert missions, embodies the Indian Army's commitment to securing the Line of Control (LoC). The missing soldiers' profiles remain undisclosed out of respect for their families, but tributes from comrades emphasize their valor: "These brave hearts were the tip of the spear in defending our nation," an anonymous officer told reporters.

This episode underscores the perils of operations in Kashmir's volatile weather patterns, exacerbated by climate shifts leading to unseasonal snowfalls. The Army has invoked emergency protocols under the Agnipath scheme, ensuring swift support for the families, including ex-gratia payments of up to ₹1 crore (approximately $119,000) per casualty. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is briefed hourly, with contingency plans for escalation if needed.

As rescue teams push forward against the odds, the nation holds its breath for news of the surviving paratrooper. In a statement, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi affirmed: "Every resource is being mobilized; we leave no one behind." The operation not only tests logistical limits but reaffirms the unyielding spirit of India's guardians in the world's highest battlefield. Updates are expected as visibility improves.