A massive cordon and search operation across more than a dozen villages in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its fourth consecutive day on Saturday as security forces intensified efforts to track down the terrorists responsible for Wednesday's attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint.The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the investigation to collect forensic evidence, while security agencies have stepped up their crackdown on suspected terror support networks, questioning around 300 suspected overground workers (OGWs).The attack took place around 2:15 pm on Wednesday when armed terrorists opened fire on CRPF personnel deployed at a checkpoint near Mir Bazar in Kulgam.Three personnel of the force sustained injuries in the ambush, including Head Constable Somveer Singh, Constable Rakesh Dass and Constable Santosh Chandru. According to sources in the security establishment, the attackers approached the checkpoint on foot from a marshy, densely vegetated area approximately 50 metres away.The terrorists reportedly emerged from a cluster of trees and opened indiscriminate fire using AK-47 rifles before escaping through the surrounding forest cover.
Earlier reports suggesting that the attackers had arrived on a motorcycle were not supported by subsequent ground verification during joint search operations.Exclusive visuals accessed by India Today from the attack site indicate that the terrorists used specialised armour-piercing ammunition during the assault.Some rounds reportedly penetrated the bullet-resistant protective gear worn by one of the injured personnel, underlining the level of preparation involved in the attack.The NIA team has visited the site alongside local police and forensic experts to reconstruct the sequence of events and collect ballistic evidence.Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby commercial establishments to establish the movement of the attackers and identify their possible escape routes.A Motorola mobile phone and a SIM card have also reportedly been recovered from the area.THREE TERRORISTS POSSIBLY INVOLVEDPreliminary assessments suggest that at least three terrorists may have been involved, including two foreign militants and a local associate who allegedly helped navigate the area.Security agencies are also examining possible links to a local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and an active sleeper cell.However, the identities and affiliations of the attackers have not been officially established.As part of the intensified crackdown, around 300 suspected OGWs and sympathisers have been questioned across south Kashmir, with some reportedly detained.Additional security personnel, specialised dog squads and drones have been deployed to search orchards, marshlands and forested stretches.Security checks and surveillance have also been strengthened along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.CRPF DGP INSPECTS ATTACK SITEMeanwhile, CRPF Director General GP Singh visited Kulgam on Friday to inspect the attack site and assess the security situation.He subsequently held discussions with field officers of the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police at Sadura in Anantnag regarding intensified counter-insurgency operations.Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Balbir Singh also visited the spot to review the ground situation.The CRPF chief later visited the Army’s 92 Base Hospital at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, where he met the injured personnel and enquired about their treatment.The CRPF said Singh assured the injured jawan and his family of all possible assistance and wished him a speedy recovery.- Ends