Following a terrorist attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel near Akhran in South Kashmir's Kulgam district, security forces have launched an extensive anti-terror operation across the region. Over the past three days, police and security agencies have detained more than 500 individuals, predominantly young men, for questioning across various locations in South Kashmir. Security agencies have refocused their investigation on 22-year-old Latif Ahmad Bhat, currently identified as the Kashmir valley's only remaining active local terrorist. Investigators are probing whether Bhat collaborated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) cadres operating in the region or established a new localized module.
Paramilitary Post Targeted in Akhran
The incident occurred on Wednesday when terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint near Akhran in Kulgam, injuring three paramilitary personnel. Notably, the attack coincided with an official visit by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was present in the district to inaugurate the 'Vesho Utsav'. Following the gunfire, security forces cordoned off the entire perimeter and launched widespread search operations.
Mass Interrogations and Detentions Across Kulgam
In the aftermath of the attack, security personnel rounded up more than 500 individuals across South Kashmir, particularly from Kulgam district. A police official indicated that a majority of those picked up had prior records with security agencies for supporting militant activities. Interrogations centered specifically on gathering leads related to the November 11 attack. While the majority of those detained have been released following preliminary questioning, several key suspects remain in police custody for detailed interrogation.
Who Is Latif Ahmad Bhat?
Latif Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Khrewan Chaddar in Kulgam, holds the distinction of being the sole active local militant tracked by security forces in the valley. Police suspect his direct involvement in planning or executing the attack. Investigators are attempting to determine if Bhat linked up with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) groups hiding in the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range—the mountain system connecting South Kashmir to the Jammu division—or recruited fresh local youth into his fold.
Seasonal Downhill Movement of Militants
A senior police officer explained that harsh winter conditions and heavy snowfall in the high mountain altitudes typically force hiding militants to descend into populated lowland valleys during this period. Security agencies consider it plausible that mountain-based militants joined forces with Bhat, though they have not ruled out the possibility that Bhat independently recruited new operatives to carry out fresh attacks.
Escape from the Shopian Encounter
Bhat initially emerged on security radars after escaping a joint military-police encirclement in Shopian district. Security cameras had previously captured Bhat alongside associate Zakir Ganai. When joint forces encircled a village in Shopian, Bhat managed to break through the cordon and flee. However, Ganai—who originally drew Bhat into militant ranks—was killed in that encounter.
Pattern of Prior Attacks Attributed to Bhat
Police records link Bhat to several recent violent incidents in South Kashmir
- July 21: A constable belonging to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was shot dead at close range in Anantnag city. CCTV footage captured an armed assailant shooting the officer, whom police identified as Bhat.
- July 30: Nine days after the Anantnag shooting, two brick kiln workers were murdered in Killam village within Kulgam district. Police held Bhat responsible for the killings.
- August 7: Authorities published wanted posters across South Kashmir offering a financial reward for information leading to Bhat's location or capture.
Intensified Surveillance Across South Kashmir
With Bhat identified as the last remaining active local militant in the valley, joint security teams have intensified Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) across Kulgam and adjoining districts. Security personnel have also increased surprise vehicle checks and established mobile checkpoints along major transit routes throughout South Kashmir to track down the fugitive.
