India, Nov. 13 -- Bullet-riddled bodies of two Special Police Officers (SPOs), who went missing while on duty in the remote Dachhan-Marwah area of Kishtwar district, were recovered on Thursday.

An official said that a massive counter-terrorist operation has been launched in the area to track down the assailants.

The officer identified the deceased SPOs as Rashpal Kumar (40) and Babi Chand (57). Preliminary information suggests that the two SPOs were attacked while proceeding towards Dherna post to relieve their colleagues deployed there.

According to sources, one of the deceased sustained a bullet injury to the head, while the other had a gunshot wound to the back. Their service weapons, an INSAS rifle and a .303 rifle, were also found...