Kulgam CRPF Attack: Three Security Personnel Injured as Search for Suspects Enters Second Day

SRINAGAR, November 12: Security forces continued an extensive operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday, a day after gunmen opened fire on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint near Mir Bazar, leaving three personnel injured.

The attack took place at approximately 2.15 pm on Wednesday, November 11, in the Nowpora Akhran area.

The assailants fired several rounds at CRPF personnel deployed at the security post before escaping. The injured were subsequently taken to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for medical attention.

The incident prompted an immediate security response, with police, Army personnel and paramilitary forces joining efforts to locate those responsible.

The affected locality was cordoned off, and a comprehensive search operation was launched. The operation continued for nearly 17 hours, with security personnel examining the surrounding area and possible escape routes.

Three CRPF personnel wounded

The injured personnel have been identified as Head Constable Somveer Singh and Constables Rakesh Dass and Santosh Chandru.

Chandru, who belongs to West Bengal, sustained gunshot injuries to his abdomen and spinal region and was initially reported to be in critical condition.

Dass, a resident of Assam, suffered an injury to his leg, while Singh, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, was wounded in the arm. The latter two were reported to be stable in subsequent updates.

The condition of the seriously injured personnel and the latest medical assessment remain important aspects of the developing investigation.

CCTV footage under scrutinyThe attack has also drawn attention because of CCTV footage that reportedly captured the sudden burst of gunfire.

Television reports said the recording contained the sound of around 30 shots being fired within approximately 15 seconds, followed by further gunfire.

Investigators are examining available footage and other evidence to establish the sequence of events, identify the attackers and determine how they managed to escape.

Although initial reports described the assailants as motorcycle-borne, Kulgam Police subsequently rejected a social media claim identifying a particular motorcycle as the vehicle used in the attack.

Police said verification had established that the motorcycle in question was not involved. Its alleged connection with the assault should therefore not be treated as fact.

Security tightened, political leaders condemn attack.

Additional security personnel were deployed in the area following the shooting. Barricades were erected, armoured vehicles were brought in, and residents were advised through public announcements to remain indoors while the search operation was underway.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the attack and expressed hope that the injured personnel would recover quickly. He also recalled the heavy toll that militancy has taken on the region over the years.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was in Kulgam at the time of the incident, although he was not near the location where the firing occurred.

One of the three injured CRPF personnel was airlifted to Srinagar for advanced treatment, while the other two were reported to be stable.

The attack has once again brought the security situation in South Kashmir under scrutiny. Agencies are continuing their investigation, while efforts remain focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible.