Opposition leaders have launched a sharp political attack on the Central Government over security lapses following a terror attack in Kulgam and the disappearance of two police officers in Kishtwar. On Wednesday afternoon, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were injured when unidentified motorcycle-borne gunmen opened fire at a road checkpoint in Kulgam district. Simultaneously, security forces launched a joint search operation in Kishtwar to locate two Special Police Officers (SPOs) who vanished while walking towards a military post.

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Opposition attacks Centre over security failures near high-profile event

Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra held the Union government responsible for the security lapse in Kulgam. He noted that the firing occurred close to a public event attended by the Lieutenant Governor.

"It is not merely a security lapse; it is a lapse on the part of the Government of India," Karra said. Expressing solidarity with the injured soldiers, he added: "We stand in solidarity with the soldiers who have been injured and with their families. However, this raises many questions. As you noted, the attack took place just two or three kilometres away from the LG’s event—this demonstrates that they can strike at will; they attack wherever they choose,".

Karra also questioned official claims regarding ground normalcy across the territory. "Furthermore, the Government of India repeatedly claims that the situation here has improved, yet whenever it suits them, they shift their narrative to suggest that the situation is, in fact, poor. Just look at the past year—consider the incidents in Kishtwar, or in Poonch and Rajouri. Despite these events, they continue to insist that the situation is fine," he remarked, noting encounters in Kishtwar lasted 10 to 12 days.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kunal Ghosh also questioned central ministries and intelligence networks. "Whose responsibility is this? It is the responsibility of the Central Government. Who is in charge of the borders? What is the PMO doing? Who is responsible for the nation's security? What are the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs doing? Under whose protection are the borders? Who is responsible for intelligence?" Ghosh asked. He further said: "The BJP is busy playing politics and making political statements here in Bengal, while another attack has taken place in Kashmir. This is the responsibility of the Central Government—the responsibility of the BJP,".

Motorcycle-borne assailants open fire at Kulgam security checkpoint

The attack took place around 2:15 pm at Akhran in Kulgam, situated roughly four kilometres from the National Highway. Unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire indiscriminately at security personnel deployed at the checkpoint before fleeing the scene.

The CRPF released an official statement confirming the incident: "There has been firing on CRPF Naka at Kulgam, Kashmir. Three personnel injured. Operations are going on to nab the perpetrators and best possible treatment is being provided to the injured personnel,". A forensic team visited the site on Wednesday to collect samples, while multi-agency search operations began immediately.

Injured jawans hospitalised in Anantnag with varying condition

The injured personnel were moved to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for medical care. Officials identified them as Head Constable Somveer Singh from Madhya Pradesh, Constable Rakesh Dass from Assam, and Constable Santosh Chandru from West Bengal.

Somveer Singh suffered an arm injury and Rakesh Dass sustained a leg injury; both remain stable. Santosh Chandru suffered injuries to his abdomen and spine, with doctors describing his condition as slightly serious.

Massive joint search launched for missing officers in Kishtwar

In Kishtwar district, two SPOs attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Kiyar village went missing in the higher reaches of Dachhan on Wednesday. The missing men are Babi Chand (57) and Rashpal Kumar (45).

They were walking from Kiyar camp to an Army post at Dharna-Marwah when contact was lost. Their mobile phones rang initially but were later switched off. Police and the Army's Rashtriya Rifles launched a joint search across dense mountain forests. Officials stated it is premature to link the disappearance to militant activity.

Security records show five people—four terrorists and one soldier—were killed in Kishtwar in 2026. Four were killed in 2025, while three security personnel and two civilians died in 2024. On October 4, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma urged local cooperation, stating: "Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan areas have immense tourism potential, but the presence of active militants remains one of the key reasons restricting tourist movement in the region,".

Local administration calls for peace while remembering sacrifices

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the firing. "Unfortunate that another attack has taken place, in which some of our security personnel have been injured. I hope they recover quickly, return home and resume their duties," he said.

Choudhary highlighted past losses: "Terrorism has caused damage to Jammu and Kashmir over the years. Many young people and security personnel have lost their lives. The National Conference has also made great sacrifices, losing its leaders, ministers, MLAs and party workers...". He added: "The biggest loss was the removal of our statehood and special status. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered enormously, and it has still not ended,".