• Injured CRPF personnel identify suspected attacker from photograph
• DG CRPF Visits Kashmir, Takes Stock of Counter-Insurgency Operations
Srinagar| Nov, 13: The investigation into Wednesday’s terror attack on a CRPF post in Kulgam has pointed towards the suspected involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Lateef Bhat, with security agencies launching an extensive manhunt to track him down.
Three CRPF personnel were injured in the attack at Akhran village, one of whom is stated to be in critical condition. Investigators suspect that Bhat was directly involved in the firing, while the possibility of another terrorist accompanying him is also being examined.
A senior police officer told Kashmir Horizon that photographs of Bhat were shown to the injured CRPF personnel, who reportedly identified him as one of the attackers. The identification has emerged as a significant lead in the ongoing investigation.
The attack took place around 2.15 pm on Wednesday when terrorists allegedly emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire on a CRPF post at Akhran, nearly 75 kilometres from Srinagar and about a kilometre from the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The CRPF personnel retaliated, preventing further casualties and forcing the attackers to flee the area.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified search operations across parts of South Kashmir to trace the suspected attackers, establish their movement and identify their support network.
The officer said several overground workers (OGWs) were questioned in Kulgam district as part of the investigation and subsequently released. The questioning was aimed at gathering information and examining possible support links.
“All our efforts are towards eliminating Lateef Bhat,” the officer said.
Bhat is also suspected of involvement in previous attacks in South Kashmir, including the July attack on two migrant labourers in the Kelam area, close to Akhran village.
Police have previously stated that Bhat remains active in parts of South Kashmir and is suspected of orchestrating attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam districts. Investigators are also examining his alleged links with foreign terrorists operating in the region.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) G.P. Singh visited the Kashmir Valley and interacted with field officers of the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police at Sadura in Anantnag.
In a post on X, CRPF Spokesman said that “DG CRPF GP Singhvisited Kulgam in Kashmir Valley today and interacted with field officers of CRPF & J&K Police at Sadura, Anantnag and discussed way ahead for intesified CI Operations in the Valley.”
The visit comes amid intensified security measures following the Kulgam attack, with particular focus on operational coordination between the CRPF and J&K Police.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to establish the complete sequence of events, identify possible accomplices and dismantle any network found to have provided logistical support to the attackers.
