Big news has come out from the sensitive Kulgam district of South Kashmir, where terrorists suddenly attacked a patrol and security party of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. According to preliminary information received from eyewitnesses and security sources, the terrorists riding a motorcycle fired indiscriminately at the security forces deployed in the area and fled from the spot. In this unexpected firing, two CRPF soldiers have been injured by bullets and shrapnel. Immediately after the attack, the entire area has been converted into a cantonment and Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army’s Rashtriya Rifles and paramilitary forces have jointly started a massive cordon and search operation (CASO) to capture the attacking terrorists dead or alive.
The incident occurred in a busy area of Kulgam when the CRPF contingent was deployed on general security and patrolling duty:
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Sudden indiscriminate firing: Two suspected terrorists riding on a bike suddenly approached the security front and started firing at the soldiers with automatic weapons.
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The soldiers gave a befitting reply: Despite the sudden attack, the alert soldiers immediately took charge and retaliated. After retaliatory firing by the security forces, the terrorists got scared and ran away taking cover of narrow streets and residential areas.
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Injured soldiers were taken to hospital: Both the soldiers injured in the firing were immediately given first aid and admitted to the nearby military hospital. According to doctors, the condition of both the injured soldiers is stable and they are said to be out of danger.
As soon as information about the attack was received, senior police and military officials along with additional security forces reached the spot. Immediate steps have been taken to cut off possible escape routes of terrorists:
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Intensive Search Operation (CASO): The forests and residential areas of Kulgam and its surrounding villages have been surrounded from all sides. Intensive searches of houses and suspicious hideouts are being conducted.
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Help of drones and sniffer dogs: The help of drones and sniffer dogs equipped with thermal imaging cameras is being taken to trace the location of terrorists hiding in dense gardens and narrow roads.
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Intensive checking of vehicles at checkpoints: Every two-wheeler and four-wheeler is being thoroughly searched by placing additional barricades at all major highways, link roads and entry-exit points connecting South Kashmir.
Amidst the strengthening of democracy, peace and normal life in the valley, terrorists are trying to register their presence by carrying out sporadic ‘hit and run’ attacks on security forces. Security analysts believe that at the behest of terrorist masters sitting across the border, such attacks are being carried out with the help of Overground Workers (OGWs) of local terrorists so that an atmosphere of terror can be created in the area. Security agencies have made it clear that a strong response will be given to this dastardly act of terrorists and the terrorists and their helpers involved in the attack will soon be neutralized.