Srinagar: Security forces continued an extensive cordon and search operation (CASO) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday to track down two terrorists who opened fire on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint, injuring three personnel.
The operation, which began shortly after Wednesday's attack, continued for nearly 17 hours before security forces resumed searches on Thursday morning, officials said.
The two heavily armed assailants reportedly emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire at the CRPF post near Mir Bazar around 2.15 pm.
They fled into the forested area after the attack. The checkpoint is located about 75 km from Srinagar and around four kilometres from the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Security forces have erected barricades and deployed armoured vehicles at several locations across the district. Vehicles are being checked and frisked at security checkpoints as agencies maintain a tight vigil. Human and technical intelligence are also being used to assist the operation, officials said.
Three CRPF personnel were injured in the firing and shifted to a hospital in Anantnag district for treatment. They have been identified as Head Constable Somveer Singh and Constables Rakesh Dass and Santosh Chandru.
Chandru, a resident of West Bengal, sustained injuries to his abdomen and spine, and his condition was described as slightly serious. Dass, who hails from Assam, suffered a bullet injury to his leg, while Singh, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, sustained a bullet injury to his arm. Both were reported to be stable.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the attack on Wednesday and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery.
"Unfortunate that another attack has taken place, in which some of our security personnel have been injured. I hope they recover quickly, return home and resume their duties," he told reporters.
Choudhary said terrorism had caused immense damage to Jammu and Kashmir over the years, claiming the lives of young people and security personnel. He also referred to the sacrifices made by National Conference leaders, ministers, MLAs and party workers.
He further described the removal of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and special status as the biggest loss for its people, saying their suffering had not ended.