Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Thursday expressed serious concern over the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar, asserting that the traditional support network associated with terrorism in the region has not been completely dismantled.

Reacting to the recovery of the bullet-riddled bodies of the two missing police personnel from the remote Dachhan area, Sharma described the incident as deeply disturbing and said that certain elements were still attempting to revive their presence despite significant improvements in the security situation across Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharma alleged that the two SPOs were abducted while travelling through a densely forested stretch in the Dachhan belt. He said the incident reflected the continued presence of elements attempting to disturb the prevailing atmosphere of peace.

The Leader of Opposition said that although the security situation had improved considerably, the latest incident highlighted the need for continued vigilance and stronger efforts to eliminate the remaining support structures of terrorism.

Accompanied by Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar and the BJP district president, Sharma said they were proceeding towards the incident site to assess the situation and understand the circumstances surrounding the killings.

Addressing questions about the possibility of an emerging over-ground worker (OGW) network in Kishtwar, Sharma maintained that he would not describe the situation as the creation of an entirely new network. Instead, he pointed towards the incomplete dismantling of the existing support ecosystem.

He asserted that the remaining elements allegedly providing assistance to terrorist activities would also have to be identified and eliminated to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Meanwhile, the deceased SPOs were identified as Babi Chand (57) and Rashpal Kumar (45). Both personnel were associated with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and were posted at Kiyar village in the Dachhan area.

According to officials, the two personnel went missing on Wednesday while travelling from their camp towards an Army post in the Dharna-Marwah belt. Their bodies were recovered on Thursday morning during an extensive search operation.

Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar also expressed profound grief over the incident, describing the killing of the two personnel as a tragic loss. She said their bodies were recovered during the morning hours, at approximately 8 am and 9 am.

Officials further said that the service weapons of the deceased personnel were missing, raising suspicion of a possible militant involvement. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances behind the killings.

Meanwhile, Kulgam Security Operation Continues

In a separate security-related development, a massive cordon and search operation continued in Kulgam district following an attack on CRPF personnel at a security checkpoint in Nowpora Akhran.

Unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants had opened fire on the security personnel on Wednesday afternoon before escaping from the spot.

Three CRPF personnel sustained injuries in the firing and were shifted to a hospital in Anantnag for medical treatment.

Security forces continued search operations in the area for nearly 17 hours as efforts remained underway to trace those responsible for the attack.