Three CRPF Personnel Injured in Terror Attack on Security Checkpoint in South Kashmir’s Kulgam

Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured when suspected terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint in the Akhran area near Mir Bazar, in Kulgam district of South Kashmir, on Wednesday. The incident marks the third terror-related attack in Jammu and Kashmir since July and the second targeting security personnel.

The attack took place at around 2:15 pm at a checkpoint manned by personnel of the CRPF’s 46th Battalion in the Nowpora Akhran area. The assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene, prompting security forces to launch an extensive search operation.

The injured personnel were shifted to a hospital in neighbouring Anantnag district for treatment. Reports said one of the injured sustained serious wounds to the abdomen and spine, while the other two also suffered bullet injuries.

Following the incident, additional security personnel were deployed in the area, checkpoints were strengthened and a security alert was issued across Kulgam and adjoining districts. Police and other security agencies also began examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify and trace the attackers.

The attack happened on a day when Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was in Kulgam to inaugurate the three-day Veshow Festival at Government Degree College. Security arrangements had been intensified for his visit to the college, located approximately 16 kilometres from the attack site. Officials said the festival venue was not close to the location of the firing.

LeT Module Suspected, Investigators Question Overground Workers

Sources in Delhi said investigators are examining the possibility of the attackers belonging to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module operating in South Kashmir.

According to these sources, at least three suspected overground workers (OGWs) associated with the outfit are being questioned. Security agencies suspect that at least one of them may have provided logistical assistance to the attackers.

Investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of local support networks that could have helped the attackers plan and execute the strike. However, the identities of the assailants and their organisational affiliation have not been officially established.

Security agencies are examining available evidence as part of efforts to establish the sequence of events and determine whether the attackers received assistance from individuals operating in the region.