Terrorists on Wednesday targeted a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, injuring three security personnel in a brazen daylight attack. The incident took place around 2:15 pm at Akhran near Mir Bazar in south Kashmir when motorcycle-borne assailants opened indiscriminate fire at the CRPF personnel deployed at the checkpoint.
According to officials, the attackers fired several rounds before fleeing the spot. CCTV footage of the incident reportedly captured nearly 30 rounds being fired within 15 seconds, highlighting the intensity of the assault.
The injured personnel were identified as Rakesh Dass, Santosh Chandru and Somveer Singh. They were immediately shifted to a hospital in Anantnag for treatment. Reports said Dass sustained injuries to his left leg, Chandru suffered wounds to his abdomen and spine, while Singh was injured in his left arm. All three were subsequently reported to be out of danger.
Following the attack, security forces rushed reinforcements to the area and launched a cordon-and-search operation to track down the assailants. Additional barricades were erected and security was tightened across the region. Police, Army and paramilitary personnel are involved in the search operation.
The attack comes amid continuing security concerns in south Kashmir, where terrorists have repeatedly targeted security personnel and civilians. It also follows another attack on a police official in Anantnag, raising fresh concerns about militant activity in the region.
The latest assault once again underlines the challenges confronting security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The ability of armed assailants to approach a security checkpoint, unleash a volley of bullets and escape on motorcycles raises questions about the security environment and the need for heightened vigilance.
Investigators are working to identify the attackers and establish whether the incident was part of a larger militant operation. No organisation had claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.
