SRINAGAR: More than 500 people have been questioned in South Kashmir following the November 11 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint in Kulgam district. At least 20 people have been detained for further interrogation as security agencies investigate the suspected network behind the attack.
Three CRPF personnel were injured when gunmen opened fire on a checkpoint manned by the force's 46th Battalion at Akhran, near Mir Bazar, around 2.15 pm. The attackers fled after the firing.
Investigators suspect that the assault involved a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) network comprising local operatives and foreign militants. They are examining whether local supporters provided the attackers with a hideout before the strike and helped them escape afterwards.
Security agencies are also probing the suspected role of Mohammad Lateef Bhat, a 22-year-old from Kulgam who has been identified by police as the Valley's only active local militant. Investigators are trying to establish whether he has linked up with foreign LeT operatives or recruited local members.
Most of those questioned have been released. Three people are suspected of acting as overground workers for the outfit. No formal arrests had been reported in connection with the attack at the time of the latest reports.
Search operations and checks across South Kashmir have been intensified.
(With inputs from media reports)