Three Security Personnel Wounded as Gunmen Strike CRPF Post in Kulgam

Attack Near Jammu-Srinagar Highway

Gunmen opened fire on a Central Reserve Police Force checkpoint in Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday, November 11, leaving three personnel hurt. The shooting occurred at about 2:15 p.m. near Mir Bazar, roughly 75 kilometres from Srinagar and only about a kilometre from the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a route of considerable strategic importance.

How the Assault Unfolded

According to officials cited by the Press Trust of India, two heavily armed militants approached the post on foot from a densely wooded area about 50 metres away. One fired on the checkpoint while the other gave covering support. The pair then retreated through the same vegetation toward Naupur. Early accounts had said the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, but ground checks carried out during joint operations by the Army and other agencies found no two-wheeler was involved. Investigators did recover a Motorola mobile phone and a SIM card from the area.

Casualties and Medical Response

Three CRPF personnel were wounded and taken to a hospital in neighbouring Anantnag district, about 22 kilometres away. One jawan suffered severe abdominal injuries and is in critical condition. Another was hit in the arm by a grazing bullet, and the third was wounded in the leg and foot. Officials described the response of the security personnel as swift, saying it kept the toll from rising further.

Security Operation Underway

Forces have sealed off the surrounding area and started an extensive search. Additional barricades have gone up, armoured vehicles have been deployed, and loudspeaker announcements have urged residents to stay indoors. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops to trace the militants’ movements. Officials said specific intelligence had indicated possible militant activity in the area beforehand.

Suspected Responsibility

No official confirmation of the attackers’ identities has been issued. Security agencies, however, suspect involvement by Mohammed Lateef Bhat, described as a local commander of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. Officials noted that Bhat had previously slipped away from a security operation in Shopian in July.

Background and What Next

The attack comes as security forces continue operations in the Kashmir Valley, where the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and local authorities have been managing public safety concerns. Authorities have not yet said whether the search will lead to arrests, and the investigation into the attackers’ identity and routes remains open. Further official statements are expected as forensic and CCTV analysis progresses.