Security has been tightened across Jammu and Kashmir following the terrorist attack on CRPF personnel in Kulgam district on Wednesday, which left three jawans injured.
As part of the heightened security measures, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the CRPF and the Indian Army, have intensified vehicle checks and search operations along National Highway-44 (Jammu-Srinagar Highway), particularly in Awantipora, Pampore and other sensitive areas.
Additional checkpoints and surveillance measures have also been strengthened to monitor suspicious vehicles and individuals. The J&K Police and CRPF have launched extensive search and checking operations at several locations.
The heightened security comes after two heavily armed terrorists emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire at a CRPF post in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.
While official confirmation regarding the identity of the attackers is awaited, security agencies suspect the involvement of Mohammed Lateef Bhat, a local commander of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit who had previously escaped a security operation in Shopian in July.
Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from nearby commercial establishments to map the movement of the attackers.
There were specific intelligence inputs regarding suspected terrorist movement in the area, an official said.
"The high state of alertness and prompt retaliation by security personnel on the spot effectively thwarted the terrorists' plans, preventing them from inflicting heavy casualties or large-scale damage," he said, adding that the attackers were forced to retreat without achieving their intended objectives.
According to security officials, the strike underscores the growing frustration and desperation among terror outfits operating in the region.
"They are finding it increasingly difficult to carry out strikes due to heightened operational readiness and robust area domination by security forces," a senior official said.
Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakeena also condemned the attack and called for stronger security measures.
"Security needs to be strengthened and improved so that incidents like this do not occur," she said.
Former Lt Gen D.P. Pandey said the tactics used in the attack resembled Lashkar-e-Taiba's modus operandi.
"It also reflects their desperation, as security forces are putting them under pressure... Their hit-and-run approach, involving two terrorists arriving on a motorcycle, firing shots and fleeing, shows this desperation," he said.
