Kulgam terror attack aftermath: Security beefed up across Kashmir, checks intensified on NH-44

Srinagar, Nov 13: Following a terrorist attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint earlier this week in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district that left three personnel injured, authorities have beefed up the security across Jammu and Kashmir.
An official said that additional checkpoints have been established at several vulnerable locations, while security personnel have stepped up frisking of commuters and checking of vehicles, particularly along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) and other sensitive stretches.
The intensified measures are visible in Awantipora, Pampore and other parts of South Kashmir, besides Srinagar city, where additional police and CRPF personnel have been deployed at important junctions and entry and exit points.
Armoured vehicles have also been stationed at select locations as part of the enhanced security arrangements, while round-the-clock patrolling and random checking of vehicles are being carried out to prevent any further incident.
A senior police officer said the security grid has been reviewed across the Valley following the attack, with special attention being paid to vulnerable locations and movement along highways.
“Security arrangements have been reviewed and strengthened across the city and the Valley as a precautionary measure. Additional checkpoints have been established, vehicle checking and frisking intensified, and deployment increased at sensitive junctions. Our priority is to prevent any further untoward incident while ensuring that normal public movement is not affected,” the officer said.
Pertinently, the attack took place on Wednesday afternoon in the Akhran area of Kulgam, near Mir Bazar, when terrorists opened fire on a CRPF checkpoint, injuring three personnel.
The incident triggered an immediate response from security forces.
Following the attack, police, CRPF and Army soldiers launched search operations in the surrounding areas to trace the attackers. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage collected from nearby commercial establishments and other locations to establish the route taken by the assailants before and after the incident.
Security agencies are examining possible links of Mohammed Lateef Bhat, a local commander of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with the attack. Bhat had reportedly escaped a security operation in Shopian in July this year. However, officials said confirmation regarding the identity of the attackers was awaited.
An official said: “The alertness of the personnel and their prompt response prevented the attackers from causing greater damage. They were forced to retreat without achieving their objective.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a high-level security meeting after receiving a briefing from the CRPF on the incident.
Security agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance across the Valley, with the Special Operations Group (SOG) and other forces deployed at sensitive locations, highways and busy public areas.
Officials said the additional measures were precautionary and aimed at maintaining security without disrupting routine civilian movement. (KNO)