3 CRPF personnel injured in Kulgam hit-and-run terror attack in J&K
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, after two motorcycle-borne terrorists opened fire on a CRPF party in Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir and fled the scene. Joint forces — comprising the Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police — have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the assailants.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to official sources, the attack occurred at approximately 2.15 pm in the Akhran area near Mir Bazar in Kulgam. Two assailants arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the CRPF party, and immediately fled the spot. Panic spread across the locality following the firing, prompting authorities to sound a general alert across Kulgam district and neighbouring areas.
The three injured CRPF personnel were evacuated to Anantnag Medical College Hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed they belong to the 46th Battalion of the CRPF.
Security Forces' Response
Senior officers from the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police reached the site to supervise the cordon-and-search operation. The area has been sealed off, with searches underway across the Akhran-Mir Bazar belt. A district-wide alert has been issued as the hunt for the attackers continues.
'The area has been cordoned off for searches by the army, CRPF and the J&K Police,' an official source said.
Why Kulgam Is a Persistent Flashpoint
The geography of Kulgam district makes it strategically sensitive. Areas such as Mir Bazar, Qazigund, and Shamsipora sit along key transit corridors linking the Kashmir Valley to Jammu, making road-opening parties and checkpoints recurring targets for hit-and-run firing and grenade attacks. The upper forested belts of the district, including Akhal, have periodically served as militant hideouts, drawing extended joint operations involving the J&K Police, Army's Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and Para Commandos.
Previous Terror Incident in the District
The last recorded terrorist attack in Kulgam before Wednesday occurred on 31 July, when militants killed two labourers in the Kelam area. Following that attack, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sanctioned an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh to the next of kin of each victim, while the district administration extended an additional ₹6 lakh in relief to the families.
Wednesday's attack marks a resumption of militant activity in the district after a gap of over three months. Security officials are awaiting further details as the operation remains ongoing.