SRINAGAR: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant Mohammad Latif Bhat has been identified as the suspected attacker in Wednesday’s strike on a CRPF post in Kulgam district, in which three personnel were injured, sources told The Tribune Group.
According to the sources, the investigation so far indicates that Bhat carried out the attack at Akhran village. The injured personnel were shown his photograph and reportedly identified him as one of the militants involved. One of the injured jawans is in critical condition.
A large-scale search operation has been launched to track down Bhat. He was already under the security forces’ radar, and his suspected involvement in Wednesday’s attack had been reported earlier.
The attack took place around 2.15 pm when militants emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire on a CRPF post. The post is around 75 km from Srinagar and nearly one kilometre from the strategically important Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
A senior officer said CRPF personnel retaliated, preventing further casualties and forcing Bhat to flee the spot. Sources believe another militant may have accompanied him. Further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, a senior officer told The Tribune Group that police detained around 200 overground workers (OGWs) in Kulgam for questioning before releasing them. “All our efforts are focused on neutralising Latif Bhat,” an officer said.
Bhat is allegedly involved in earlier attacks in south Kashmir, including an attack on two migrant workers in the Kelam area near Akhran village in July.
He is believed to be the only locally active militant left in the Valley. Jammu and Kashmir Police had recently said he was active in parts of south Kashmir and had allegedly plotted attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam districts. Police also said he was receiving support from some foreign militants.
