Teenager one of three individuals discovered deceased after disappearance in conflict-ridden region of Jammu and Kashmir
The Tragic Discovery in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the bodies of three civilians, including a 14-year-old child, were discovered in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua district on Saturday. The victims, identified as Yogesh Singh, Darshan Singh, and Varun Singh, had gone missing in a terrorist-infested area three days prior.
The Disappearance and Search Efforts
The trio was on their way to attend a marriage ceremony when they disappeared in Billawar town on Wednesday evening. A massive search operation was immediately launched by the Army and police to locate the missing individuals. One of them managed to contact their family two days later, revealing that they had lost their way in the forest while returning.
Tragically, their bodies were located through the use of drones in a water body near the Lohai Malhar area. The exact cause of their death remains unknown and will be determined after a postmortem examination. Yogesh and Darshan hailed from Marhoon, while Varun was a resident of Dehota, both located in Billawar.
Allegations of Terrorism
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson RS Pathania has alleged a “cold-blooded murder” by terrorists. He stated, “Prima facie, the evidence suggests that this entire mass murder was perpetrated by militants. One thing I want to assure is that the perpetrators will not go unpunished. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, terrorism is on its last leg.” BJP legislator Satesh Sharma also raised the issue in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, demanding answers from the government.
The Troubled Region
The area where the tragic incident took place has a significant presence of terrorists and has witnessed multiple terror attacks in recent years. Just last month, two other civilians were found dead in the same vicinity, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by residents in the region.
Moving Forward
As the community mourns the loss of Yogesh Singh, Darshan Singh, and Varun Singh, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The authorities are committed to investigating the matter thoroughly and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in conflict-ridden regions like Jammu & Kashmir.