• Three CRPF personnel injured in firing near Mir Bazar, one critical
• Multiple search operations launched, security tightened across Valley
Srinagar|Nov, 12: Security forces on Thursday resumed a massive search operation across several areas of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district to track down two terrorists who attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post near Mir Bazar, injuring three personnel, one of them critically.
The manhunt entered its second day on Thursday, with security agencies carrying out multiple cordon-and-search operations across suspected hideouts and adjoining forest areas to establish the movement and whereabouts of the attackers.
According to sources, the two heavily armed terrorists emerged from a dense cluster of trees near the CRPF post on Wednesday and opened indiscriminate fire at the security personnel before fleeing from the area. Three CRPF personnel sustained bullet injuries in the attack and were shifted for medical treatment. One of them was reported to be in critical condition.
Security agencies have launched searches at multiple locations in the district, with particular attention to forested stretches and possible escape routes used by the attackers. The operation is aimed at identifying and apprehending the terrorists involved in the assault.
Sources said one of the suspects is believed to be Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Mohammed Lateef Bhat, who has allegedly been involved in earlier attacks in South Kashmir, including an attack on two migrant labourers in July. His suspected involvement is being examined by security agencies.
The attack has prompted heightened security measures across the Valley, with security forces maintaining increased vigilance at vulnerable installations, checkpoints and other sensitive locations.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who reviewed the security situation with senior officials in Srinagar on Wednesday night, said security forces had been given a “free hand to crack down on terrorists”.
The Lieutenant Governor’s statement came amid intensified counter-terror operations in the region following the attack on the CRPF installation.
The latest incident has also brought renewed focus on the security of forward posts and vulnerable installations in South Kashmir, particularly in areas adjoining forested terrain.
Security forces continued search operations across Kulgam as efforts remained underway to track the attackers and prevent them from escaping the security cordon. Officials were yet to announce any breakthrough in the operation by Thursday morning.
