Kulgam Terror Attack: A major security catastrophe was narrowly averted in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday afternoon after an alert Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan retaliated immediately despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a sudden terrorist strike.
According to media reports, three CRPF personnel belonging to the 46th Battalion were injured when motorcycle-borne militants opened indiscriminate fire on a security checkpoint in the Nowpora Akhran area near Mir Bazar, roughly four kilometers from the strategically vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Security officials stated that the prompt counterfire forced the assailants to abandon their assault and flee the scene before additional reinforcements could surround the perimeter.
Sequence of Events and CCTV Revelations
Kulgam Terror Attack: The ambush unfolded at approximately 2:15 PM on Wednesday, November 11, targeting a CRPF naka and bridge guard party deployed near Akhran.
According to media reports citing CCTV footage from the vicinity, at least two armed terrorists took cover behind a defensive gabion structure and unleashed a heavy barrage of bullets toward the troopers stationed at the post.
Despite being caught in the initial burst of gunfire, one of the wounded CRPF personnel displayed presence of mind and immediately returned fire.
Official assessments indicate that because a main CRPF camp sits less than 100 meters away from the checkpoint, the attackers had likely planned a high-casualty strike. However, the jawan’s instant retaliation disrupted their offensive, compelling the attackers to make a hasty retreat on their motorcycle.
Condition of Injured CRPF Personnel
Kulgam Terror Attack: Following the exchange of fire, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) rushed to the spot and evacuated the three wounded troopers to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in neighboring Anantnag district for urgent medical care.
According to media reports and official CRPF statements, the injured personnel have been identified as:
Constable Santosh Chandru: Sustained serious gunshot injuries to the abdomen and spine; later airlifted to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for specialized surgical treatment.
Head Constable Somveer Singh: Suffered a bullet injury to his left arm and is reported to be in stable condition.
Constable Rakesh Dass: Sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and is also listed as stable under medical supervision.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who happened to be visiting Kulgam district on an official tour away from the attack site on Wednesday, visited the injured jawans to inquire about their recovery and directed security agencies to maintain maximum operational momentum.
Massive Cordon-and-Search Operation Launched
Immediately after the firing ceased, joint teams of the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police cordoned off the Nowpora Akhran belt and adjoining orchards.
Armoured vehicles were deployed, additional highway checkpoints were erected, and loudspeaker announcements were issued advising local residents to remain indoors while combing operations progressed.
According to media reports, senior police officials suspect the involvement of foreign militants linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from surrounding routes to trace the escape path of the attackers.
Broader Security Context in South Kashmir
Security analysts view the Kulgam firing as a sign of growing desperation among terrorist handlers amid sustained counter-insurgency pressure and near-zero local recruitment across the Kashmir Valley.
This incident marks the third notable terror strike in the region over the past five months, following the July 22 killing of Police Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag and the July 31 attack on non-local brick kiln workers in Kulgam’s Kilam village.
Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, including representatives from the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, condemned the attack and wished the injured security personnel a swift recovery.
Meanwhile, intensified area domination patrols remain active across south Kashmir as forces track down the perpetrators.