Two police officers go missing during patrol in Kishtwar

Two Special Police Officers went missing during a patrol in the upper reaches of Marwah, in Kishtwar district, on Wednesday afternoon.

The officers were identified as Rashpal Kumar, 40, and Babbi Chand, 54, both from Dachan.

Locals reportedly heard gunshots near Kiyar and Derana before the men disappeared, but police and the army have not issued an official statement about what happened.

Army, police and CRPF teams have begun searches, but they had found no trace of the officers at the time of the account.

The area is remote, has poor mobile coverage and was a refuge for Hizbul Mujahideen militants during past violence in the Doda region.

The search is continuing, while a possible exchange of fire has not been confirmed.