A major breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the terrorist attack targeting a CRPF camp in Kulgam, pointing directly to Lashkar-e-Taiba handler Sajjad Gul as the mastermind. Intelligence and security agencies found that Sajjad Gul orchestrated the assault through the network of Latief Bhat, utilizing an extensive over-ground worker infrastructure. Sajjad Gul is a Kashmiri militant and the founder of The Resistance Front, a designated terror outfit active in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, who currently operates terror modules from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Local Network and Handlers
Investigations revealed that Sajjad relies heavily on Latief Bhat to execute operations anywhere in Kashmir, particularly across south Kashmir. Latief remains in direct contact with Sajjad Gul, also known as Sajjad Jatt, a native Kashmiri currently residing in PoK who is a wanted fugitive in India under the UAPA. Latief acts as an operative for both Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, building and managing OGW networks for them. In the Kulgam incident, he executed the conspiracy using these local workers for logistics. Police questioned around 250 individuals across Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag, keeping 3 people in custody on suspicion of providing logistical support and supplies to the attackers.
Forensic Evidence and Weaponry
Probes conducted by the National Investigation Agency and the State Investigation Agency uncovered critical evidence after inspecting the site, a visit also undertaken by the General Officer Commanding of the Army's 15th Corps to assess the ground situation. Forensic analysis established that the attackers used metal-jacketed, armor-piercing bullets capable of penetrating standard body armor worn by security personnel. Authorities also recovered a Motorola phone and a SIM card from the location. Furthermore, cartridge casings found at the scene matched those recovered from an older incident in Kেলাম, Kulgam.
Tactics and Cross-Border Infiltration
Initial reports suggested the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, but subsequent investigations disproved this theory. CCTV footage and physical evidence proved that the assailants walked from a marshy and forested area roughly 50 meters away, opened fire with AK-47 rifles, and escaped through dense bushes toward the Napur area. Meanwhile, intelligence assessments indicate that foreign terrorists maintain a presence in Jammu and Kashmir, numbering around 100 or more. Additional inputs suggest that approximately 80 to 100 terrorists are stationed near launch pads across the border, waiting for opportunities to infiltrate, demonstrating that handlers continue plotting violence despite a sharp decline in local recruitment.
