Targeted killings in Kashmir: Security forces hunt LeT's Lateef Bhat

Security agencies have announced a Rs 15 lakh reward and circulated posters to trace Mohammad Lateef Bhat after recent killings in south Kashmir. Investigators believe the Lashkar commander coordinated attacks on migrant workers and police personnel to spread fear.Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Lateef BhatSecurity agencies have stepped up efforts to track down Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Lateef Bhat, believed to be the key conspirator behind a series of recent targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have announced a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh for information leading to his arrest and circulated wanted posters across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley.Posters carrying Bhat's photograph have been put up at prominent locations, including Srinagar's Press Enclave, urging the public to share credible information with security agencies.Investigators suspect Bhat played a central role in the recent attacks that left a police officer and two migrant workers dead. On July 31, terrorists opened fire on two labourers from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam district. Deepak died on the spot, while Bhupender succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Days earlier, a head constable was shot dead in a targeted attack in Anantnag, triggering a major security crackdown across Kashmir.According to preliminary investigations, both attacks were carried out using a small-calibre firearm, likely a pistol. Security officials say the method closely resembles attacks typically associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-linked outfit that relies on locally recruited operatives and overground workers to execute swift targeted shootings before blending back into civilian populations. Officials believe the attacks were aimed at creating fear, undermining the perception of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and targeting both migrant workers and security personnel.Security agencies describe Bhat as a Lashkar commander who came into focus during a major encounter in Shopian, where he and senior LeT commander Zakir Ganai were trapped by security forces. While Ganai was killed during the five-day operation, Bhat managed to escape. Since then, intelligence agencies believe he has been working to reactivate sleeper cells in south Kashmir and is allegedly coordinating attacks on non-local workers and security personnel on the instructions of handlers across the border.- EndsPublished By: Nitish SinghPublished On: Aug 6, 2026 01:59 IST