The operation was launched in the Mir Bazar area by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as security agencies intensified efforts to track down terrorists involved in a November 11 attack.
In that incident, two terrorists opened fire on CRPF personnel in the Akhran area near Mir Bazar, injuring three jawans. Security forces have since conducted extensive search operations in Kulgam and neighbouring districts, while special checkpoints and barricades have been set up at several locations to intercept the attackers.
The latest operation is part of the intensified security response following another deadly incident in the district. Less than 24 hours after the attack on the CRPF personnel, terrorists killed two Special Police Officers (SPOs), identified as Babi Chand and Yashpal Kumar, in a hilly area of Kulgam. The two personnel were reportedly on their way to an Army picket when they were attacked.
On Saturday, senior BJP leader and Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, along with Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar, visited the families of the slain SPOs.
Both leaders criticised the police officers who had reportedly directed the two SPOs to travel to the remote area with only one .303 rifle and one INSAS rifle despite intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.
Sharma also demanded the immediate restoration of the 40-member security picket at Kyra Dachan and the Special Operations Group (SOG) picket at Gujjar Kotha in the remote area.
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