Srinagar: Security personnel pressed on with an extensive cordon-and-search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday, nearly 17 hours after gunmen targeted a CRPF checkpoint and wounded three jawans. The forces are combing the area to locate the assailants, who escaped after firing at the post.
The shooting took place at around 2.15 pm on Wednesday at a checkpoint near Mir Bazar, where CRPF personnel were deployed. The attackers opened fire before fleeing, triggering an immediate response from security agencies.
Three CRPF personnel were injured in the incident. They were identified as Head Constable Somveer Singh and Constables Rakesh Dass and Santosh Chandru. All three injured CRPF personnel were taken to a hospital in neighbouring Anantnag for treatment, as reported by The Indian Express.
Chandru, a resident of West Bengal, suffered injuries to his abdomen and spine and was described as being in a slightly serious condition. Dass, from Assam, sustained a bullet wound to his leg, while Singh, a native of Madhya Pradesh, was injured in the arm; both were said to be stable.
The checkpoint lies close to the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, with reports placing it roughly a kilometre from the route and about 75 km from Srinagar.
Political Condemnation
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the assault on Wednesday and wished the injured personnel a swift 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,” Choudhary told reporters.
He said terrorism has hurt Jammu and Kashmir for many years. Many young people and security personnel have lost their lives because of it.
He also said the National Conference has lost many of its leaders, ministers, MLAs and workers to violence. According to him, taking away Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status was a big loss for its people, and their problems are still not over.
