Kulgam, Nov 11 (KNO): Alertness, quick response and swift retaliation by the security forces thwarted a major terror attack at Nowpora Akhran, Kulgam in South Kashmir on Wednesday. However, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel sustained injuries in the incident.
A top police officer while sharing the details of the terror attack, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Police and Security Forces deployment was made in accordance with intelligence inputs regarding suspected movement of terrorists.”
He said, “Two motorcycle borne terrorists approached the area from a cluster of trees located around 50 metres away from the spot. The area has dense vegetation. One of the terrorists opened fire, while the other remained positioned on the road, providing cover. However, the alertness, preparedness and swift retaliation by security forces on the spot effectively frustrated the plans of terrorists.”
The officer said, “Prompt and effective response of security forces prevented the attackers from inflicting casualties and damage on the scale they had intended. Consequently, the terrorists were forced to retreat from the spot without achieving their desired objectives.”
“One of the CRPF jawans, who sustained injuries, opened fire in retaliation, forcing the attackers to retreat. Three CRPF personnel were injured in the attack, but prompt action—also captured on CCTV footage—turned the situation around. A swift call was made to the CRPF camp just meters away from the spot,” he added.
He said, “The incident reflects the growing frustration and desperation of the terrorists, who are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve their objectives due to the heightened alertness, preparedness and effective area domination by Security Forces. The alertness and professional response of our SF personnel deserve appreciation.”
“This could have escalated into a major attack had the fire not been immediately returned. Intelligence inputs had suggested that terrorists might attempt an attack to cause maximum casualties to project their presence following a prolonged lull in the valley,” the officer said, adding, “A few weeks earlier, an alert had been sounded following intelligence inputs indicating suspected terrorist movement. Jammu and Kashmir Police and deployed security forces were updated accordingly.”
The officials identified the three injured CRPF personnel as Constable Rakesh Dass, Head Constable Somveer Singh and Constable Santosh Chandru belonging to the 46th Battalion of the paramilitary force. “They were rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for treatment from where Santosh Chandru was airlifted to 92 Base Hospital Srinagar for advanced treatment,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat and Inspector General of CRPF, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Sujit Kumar visited GMC Anantnag and enquired about the health of the injured personnel. IGP Kumar and IG CRPF visited the attack site and took stock of the situation.
A top officer told KNO that terrorist Mohammad Lateef Bhat, of Khrewan Chader of Kulgam district is believed to have carried out this attack. “He (Bhat) carries a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head and was reportedly involved in the killing of a police constable and a non-local labourer earlier this year. He joined terrorist ranks last year.”
The officer said that security forces have cordoned off the entire area and launched massive search operations to trace Bhat and his accomplice believed to be involved in the attack.
Meanwhile, forensic teams collected samples and other evidence from the attack site as part of the ongoing investigation.
Later, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Base Hospital, Srinagar, to enquire about the health of CRPF Head Constable who sustained serious injuries in the terror attack and is currently undergoing treatment. He prayed for his swift and complete recovery—(KNO)