Srinagar: Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured when two armed men opened fire at a security post near Mir Bazar in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday afternoon.
The attack took place at around 2.15 pm, approximately 75 km from Srinagar and close to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. One of the injured personnel sustained serious abdominal wounds, while the other two suffered injuries to their arm and leg, according to officials cited by PTI.
The injured jawans were taken to a hospital in neighbouring Anantnag district for treatment.
The three injured security personnel were identified as Rakesh Dass, Santosh Chandru, and Somveer Singh. Dass suffered an injury to his left leg, Chandru sustained wounds to his abdomen and spine, and Singh was injured in his left arm in the firing. As per hospital sources, all three are out of danger.
Officials said the assailants emerged from a densely wooded patch around 50 metres from the CRPF position. One of them opened fire while the other provided cover.
They then escaped towards Naupur through the same forested stretch, according to the account provided by officials.
Initial reports suggested that the attackers had arrived on a motorcycle. However, subsequent ground verification during joint search operations indicated that no two-wheeler was involved and that the men had approached and fled on foot.
A Motorola mobile phone and a SIM card were recovered during the investigation.
Security agencies are examining CCTV footage from commercial establishments near the site to establish the attackers' movements. The area has been cordoned off, with additional barricades and armoured vehicles deployed. Loudspeaker announcements have also asked residents to remain indoors as search operations continue.
Investigators are examining the possible involvement of Mohammed Lateef Bhat, a local operative suspected of belonging to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit.
Bhat had reportedly escaped a security operation in Shopian in July. ThePrint has separately reported that security sources suspect the attackers could be associates of Bhat, who is alleged to have links with LeT offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF). However, the identities of the attackers have not been officially confirmed.
Officials said intelligence inputs about suspected militant movement had been received in the area before the attack. They credited the alertness of personnel at the post with limiting the casualties. The investigation is continuing to establish the attackers' identities and possible support network.
"The high state of alertness and prompt retaliation by security personnel on the spot effectively thwarted the terrorists' plans, preventing them from inflicting heavy casualties or large-scale damage," an official told PTI. He added that the attackers were forced to retreat without achieving their intended objectives.
According to security officials, the strike underscores the growing frustration and desperation among terror outfits operating in the region.
"They are finding it increasingly difficult to carry out strikes due to heightened operational readiness and robust area domination by security forces. The alertness and professional response of our security personnel on the ground averted a major incident and deserve high appreciation," a senior official said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was visiting Kulgam district on Wednesday, but he was not near the scene of the attack.
A team of forensic experts also reached the spot and collected samples as part of the probe.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was visiting Kulgam on Wednesday for an official programme but was not near the location of the firing.
National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah expressed concern over the attack and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery. He also criticised the administration's handling of security, arguing that repeated incidents of violence raised questions about official claims that terrorism had been eliminated from the region.
Abdullah called for a reassessment of the security approach and urged the administration to engage local communities to address gaps.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack. In a statement shared by the party on social media, she described the violence as unacceptable and said there could be no place for such acts in a society seeking lasting peace and stability.
Kulgam and neighbouring areas have witnessed attacks in recent months. On July 22, a police personnel was shot dead in Anantnag, while two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh were killed at a brick kiln in Kulgam on July 31.
The latest attack has prompted a fresh security operation in South Kashmir, with forces continuing efforts to trace those responsible.
(With inputs from agencies)