SRINAGAR: Security forces on Friday launched a large-scale search operation in the Billawar area of Kathua district after three civilians, including a child, went missing.
The three individuals from Lohai Malhar, Billawar, left their homes around 8:30 PM on Wednesday to attend a wedding in the Billawar area. However, 24 hours later, there was no trace of them, prompting a search by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The missing individuals have been identified as Jogesh Singh (35) from Marhoon village, Darshan Singh (40) from Dehota village, and Baroon Singh (14) from Dehota in Billawar tehsil.
A police official said the incident came to light on Thursday, leading to immediate search operations to locate them.
While the police have ruled out a terror link at this stage, a massive search operation has been launched in the hilly belt of Kathua.
“We are considering all possible angles, but for now, a terror-related incident is not suspected. We are investigating how they disappeared while traveling with others. Their mobile numbers are being tracked to determine their last known location,” the official said.
Teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Indian Army are actively searching the area where the trio went missing. (KNO)
