Two missing SPOs found dead in Kishtwar, J&K; pay row widens

Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) who had gone missing in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir have been found dead with gunshot wounds, officials confirmed on Thursday. The discovery marks a significant escalation in the region's security concerns and has intensified scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

The incident has drawn judicial attention, with a court issuing directives to the home department to furnish detailed data regarding the personnel involved. The court's intervention underscores growing concerns over governance and accountability in the matter.

The development comes amid a broader crisis affecting the SPO cadre across the region. Approximately 2,300 personnel have filed complaints alleging that their salaries have been stalled during ongoing legal proceedings. The wage arrears have reportedly created significant hardship among the workforce and their families, adding to existing tensions within the police establishment.

Authorities have not disclosed details regarding the investigation into the deaths or the circumstances that led to the officers' disappearance. The case has raised questions about operational protocols and security measures in the region, with potential implications for future deployments and personnel welfare policies.