Kokernag/Rajouri, J&K – Oct 8, 2025.
The Indian Army is engaged in intense military operations across the volatile regions of Jammu and Kashmir, with ongoing efforts in Rajouri and a massive search operation underway in the Gadol forest area of Kokernag, South Kashmir.
As of Wednesday evening, two young soldiers lost their lives in a 15-hour encounter with Armed Opposition of Jammu and Kashmir in the Khari Thrayat forest in Rajouri, while two commandos from the elite 5 Para (Special Forces) unit remain missing following a clash in Kokernag.
These incidents have reignited debates over the decades-long Kashmir conflict and the urgent need for a democratic resolution, drawing parallels with peaceful referendums elsewhere.
Rajouri Gunbattle Claims Lives
In Rajouri’s Khari Thrayat forest, a fierce gunfight erupted on Wednesday morning when Indian Army units intercepted a group of armed opposition attempting to target India Army.
The operation, now in its 15th hour, has resulted in the tragic loss of two young soldiers, identified as part of the 33 RR Battalhe challenging terrain and dense foliage, the soldiers fought valiantly to thwart the armed opposition bid, a common occurrence in this militant hotspot. The Army has deployed additional forces and is continuing the operation to neutralize the threat, with ground reports indicating heightened vigilance.
Missing Commandos in Kokernag
Simultaneously, a joint search operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and aerial support from helicopters is underway in the Gadol forest of Kokernag. Two commandos from the 5 Para (Special Forces) unit went missing on Monday, October 6, during an earlier engagement. Social media posts, including images purportedly showing captured senior officers and junior Para soldiers, have circulated widely, with claims from some sources that Kashmiri freedom fighters are holding them. The Indian Army has not yet confirmed these claims, and the search continues amid dense forest cover and adverse weather conditions. The missing soldiers’ photographs—depicting them in both civilian attire and full military gear—have stirred public concern and speculation.
Historical Context and Political Stalemate
The Kashmir conflict, spanning 78 years since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, remains unresolved, with both nations claiming the region and resorting to military means rather than democratic dialogue. The recent incidents echo a long history of violence, including the 2019 infiltration bid in Naushera where soldiers like Rfn Arjun Thapa lost their lives. The current operations underscore the persistent militancy in areas like Rajouri and Kokernag, where dense forests provide cover for armed opposition activities.
Critics argue that India and Pakistan’s refusal to grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir a democratic path, similar to the United Kingdom’s approach with Scotland, perpetuates this cycle of violence. In 2014, Scotland held a peaceful referendum on independence, and the 2016 Brexit vote saw the UK exit the European Union without bloodshed, demonstrating that democratic processes can address contentious issues. In contrast, the Kashmir region has seen countless lives lost—soldiers, militants, and civilians alike—due to the colonial-era mindset of both nations, which prioritize territorial claims over the will of the people.
Election Implications
With elections looming in both parts of Jammu and Kashmir, these military engagements could significantly influence the political landscape. In Indian-administered Kashmir, the absence of a resolution has fuelled alienation, potentially boosting support for armed opposition compare to parties committed with peaceful democratic struggle. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the narrative of supporting Kashmiri freedom fighters may strengthen hardline factions. The timing of these incidents, amid heightened security measures, raises questions about how electoral campaigns will address the ongoing conflict and whether candidates will advocate for dialogue over militarization.
Call for Peaceful Resolution
As the search for the missing commandos and the operation in Rajouri continue, the international community and local voices are calling for a return to democratic means. The recurring violence, exemplified by the images of young soldiers—some in dress uniforms and others in combat gear—highlights the human cost of the conflict. Advocates suggest that allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to express their aspirations through democratic means and methods, as seen in Scotland, though Jammu and Kashmir from Ladakh to Azad Kashmir and Jammu to Hunza is different that is why we demand the election to be held from Ladakh to Azad Kashmir and from Jammu to Hunza to elected representatives, enabling them first to agree among themselves on the terms and conditions of the future constitution of their shared land and history and then to negotiate with India, Pakistan and China simply because Jammu and Kashmir for centuries lived together in a federal system. That could pave the way for lasting peace, sparing future generations from the bloodshed that has defined the region for nearly eight decades.
The Job of the Indian Army like any other army is to continue with its operations to ensure security, but the underlying question remains: Can India and Pakistan break from the past and embrace a democratic future for Kashmir, when we say Kashmir, it mean from Ladakh to Azad Kashmir and from Jammu to Hunza or will the region remain a battleground for another generation?
Latest news update: October 9, 2025.
The soldiers were found safe after approximately 48 hours. Official Army statements (via Chinar Corps) confirmed their recovery, with no injuries reported. No armed opposition involvement was suspected; it was attributed to weather-related disorientation. Visuals from the search (ground teams in snow) were shared on X.
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