Joint security forces launch search operation in Kulgam district
The operation near Mir Bazar follows an attack on November 11 that injured three Central Reserve Police Force personnel.
Joint security forces initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) near Mir Bazar in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, according to ANI. The operation aims to locate and arrest individuals who opened fire on security personnel and fled the scene.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Sujit Kumar were present at the site to monitor the search, reports The Tribune. Officials stated the operation was launched following intelligence suggesting the presence of militants in the area.
The search follows an incident on November 11 at approximately 2:15 pm, when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) naka, or security checkpoint, in Kulgam. The attackers fled immediately after the indiscriminate firing.
The CRPF stated that three personnel were injured during the attack and that operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators. The force added that the best possible treatment is being provided to the injured members.
The Tribune reported that the investigation into the attack has linked Mohammed Lateef Bhat, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, to the incident. Police identified Bhat, a Kulgam resident, as the only surviving local militant in the Valley.