Srinagar, Nov 12 (HS): Security has been put on high alert across Kashmir after the terrorist attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) party in Kulgam’s Akhran area on Wednesday, with the search for the attackers continuing for a second day on Thursday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said security forces have been given a free hand to crack down on terrorists.

Unidentified motorcycle-borne terrorists had opened indiscriminate fire on a CRPF party posted at a naka in Nowpora Akhran, near Mir Bazar, at around 2.15 pm on Wednesday. Three personnel of the force’s 46th Battalion were injured, and the attackers fled the spot.

According to sources, the three were first brought to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag, from where one jawan, whose condition was critical, was airlifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.

Sources said security forces were carrying out searches at suspicious locations in Kulgam and checking vehicles strictly, particularly motorcycles. Riders were being frisked, and their identity cards and vehicle documents were being examined thoroughly.

Security has also been tightened in other parts of the Valley, including Srinagar, according to sources. Nakas have been set up at some key and sensitive locations, where vehicles are being searched and motorcyclists are being checked especially closely. At some places, pedestrians and travellers are also being frisked and their identity cards checked.

Sources said no arrest or other development had been reported so far, though security forces were determined to nab the attackers.

The attack took place on the day Sinha was scheduled to inaugurate the Veshow Festival in the district. He went ahead with the inauguration despite the attack and addressed the gathering.

Sinha visited the Base Hospital in Srinagar on Wednesday evening to enquire about the health of Head Constable Sonbir Singh, who was seriously injured in the attack and is undergoing treatment. He discussed the jawan’s condition with the attending doctors.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said: “Visited Base Hospital, Srinagar, to enquire about the health of CRPF Head Constable Sonbir Singh, who sustained serious injuries in the heinous terror attack in Kulgam and is currently undergoing treatment. Praying for his swift and complete recovery. Two other injured CRPF personnel, Constable Rakesh Das and Constable Santanu Chandra, are in stable condition and recovering at 46 Bn CRPF Unit Hospital, Kulgam. I strongly condemn this cowardly act of terror and assure the people that those responsible will be hunted down and brought to justice. I also reviewed the security situation with senior officials in Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. Security forces have been given a free hand to crack down on terrorists.”

Meanwhile, the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar district has added to the tension. The bullet-riddled bodies of the two SPOs, who had gone missing, were recovered from a forest in the hilly district. Sources said the incident had spread fear in the area and prompted tighter security in the Valley as well.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat