J-K: Search Operation Continues in Kulgam After Terror Attack Leaves Three Army Personnel Injured

A massive cordon and search operation (CASO) continued in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Thursday, nearly 17 hours after unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed at a checkpoint, injuring three jawans. Security forces have intensified search efforts across the area to identify and apprehend the attackers, who fled immediately after opening fire. Personnel are conducting extensive searches in an effort to trace the suspects and establish their whereabouts.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the attack on Wednesday and expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel. Describing the incident as unfortunate, he said another attack had resulted in injuries to security personnel and hoped that they would recover quickly, return home and resume their duties.

Choudhary also spoke about the long-standing impact of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that violence had claimed the lives of numerous young people and security personnel over the years. He recalled the sacrifices made by the National Conference, noting that several of its leaders, ministers, MLAs and party workers had also lost their lives.

He further criticised the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood and special status, describing it as one of the biggest setbacks for the people of the region. According to him, residents continue to face significant hardships, and their difficulties remain unresolved. The attack took place at approximately 2:15 pm on Wednesday when unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants targeted CRPF personnel stationed at a checkpoint in Kulgam district, officials said. The attackers fired at the security personnel before escaping from the scene. The injured jawans were immediately shifted to a hospital in Anantnag district for medical attention. According to officials, the checkpoint was located around four kilometres from the National Highway. Of the three injured personnel, two sustained relatively minor injuries, while the third was reported to be in a slightly serious condition.

The injured personnel have been identified as Head Constable Somveer Singh and Constables Rakesh Dass and Santosh Chandru. Chandru, a resident of West Bengal, suffered bullet injuries to his abdomen and spine, with his condition described as slightly serious. Constable Rakesh Dass, who belongs to Assam, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, while Head Constable Somveer Singh, a native of Madhya Pradesh, was injured in his arm. Both Dass and Singh were reported to be stable. Security forces have continued combing the area as part of the ongoing operation, with efforts focused on locating the motorcycle-borne attackers. The search is expected to continue until those responsible for the shooting are traced and apprehended.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.