Kulgam search operation resumes after CRPF attack; man held with 2 grenades in Baramulla
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Joint security forces on Thursday, 13 November 2025, resumed a large-scale search operation in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir to track down two armed terrorists who attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post the previous day, injuring three troopers — one of them critically. Separately, a coordinated patrol in Baramulla district led to the arrest of one person and the recovery of two hand grenades.
The Kulgam Attack: What Happened
Two heavily armed assailants emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire at a CRPF post near Mir Bazar, approximately 75 km from Srinagar, on Wednesday at around 2:15 pm. Three CRPF personnel sustained injuries in the ambush, with one reported to be in a critical condition. After the strike, the two attackers retreated into the forested terrain and remained at large.
Cordon and Search Operation Underway
Security forces launched a massive cordon-and-search operation immediately after the attack. Officials confirmed that joint forces have erected barricades and deployed armoured vehicles at multiple locations across Kulgam district. Intensive checking and frisking of vehicles is being conducted at security checkpoints, with a tight vigil in force across the area.
According to officials, security agencies are deploying both human intelligence and technical surveillance capabilities to support the operation. The two assailants have yet to be apprehended as of Thursday.
Baramulla Arrest and Grenade Recovery
In a parallel development, an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) in the Baderkoot forests of Baramulla district resulted in the arrest of one person and the recovery of two grenades. A police statement identified the arrested individual as Ghulam Jeelani Reshi of Baderkote, Tangmarg.
The joint operation was carried out by the Border Security Force (BSF), Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police. One grenade was recovered directly from Reshi's possession; a second concealed grenade was subsequently found in the forest following his disclosure.
An FIR has been registered at Police Station Tangmarg, and an investigation is underway to establish the source, intended use, and possible affiliations connected to the recovered explosives, according to the police statement.
Security Forces' Response
Baramulla Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region and commended the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved. This comes amid an intensified counter-terror posture across the Kashmir Valley, with security forces conducting regular area domination patrols in forested districts that have historically served as infiltration corridors.
Notably, Kulgam — a district in South Kashmir — has seen periodic militant activity targeting security installations in recent years. The resumption of Thursday's search operation signals that the two assailants have not yet crossed back across any identified line of retreat. The outcome of both operations is expected to shape the security assessment for the region in the coming days.