Security agencies suspect top Lashkar militants orchestrated Kulgam killings

Security agencies strongly suspect Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Latif Bhat and his associate Waris Shah orchestrated the recent fatal shootings of two migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence sources indicate that Waris Shah actively conducted local reconnaissance and provided crucial logistical support for the Friday evening strike in Kulgam. During this tragic terror incident, gunmen opened fire on two innocent laborers who had traveled from Chhattisgarh to earn a living. Deepak lost his life immediately at the scene, while Bhupender later succumbed to his severe injuries during medical treatment at a local hospital.

Shift in Terror Tactics

This marks the second deliberate strike against non-locals and security personnel within just ten days. Last week, terrorists fatally shot a policeman in Anantnag, prompting police forces to initiate severe crackdown operations across the Kashmir valley. Preliminary investigations reveal that shooters used small-caliber weapons, most likely pistols, rather than traditional AK-47 rifles. Officials note this specific method points directly to hybrid terrorists. These are locally recruited Over Ground Workers who execute rapid strikes and seamlessly blend back into civilian populations. Cross-border handlers frequently utilize proxy outfits like The Resistance Front to maintain deniability while disrupting regional stability. Police officers confirm this hit-and-run approach perfectly matches the recognized strategy of TRF, a known offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Hunt for Latif Bhat

Law enforcement teams remain on high alert as they conduct extensive search operations to track down these two dangerous fugitives. Latif Bhat previously gained significant notoriety during a grueling five-day military operation in the Shopian district. Security forces successfully eliminated top Lashkar leader Zakir Ganai during that intense gunfight, but Bhat managed to evade capture and escape the security cordon. Intelligence inputs indicate that Bhat is now operating under strict instructions from cross-border handlers to reactivate dormant sleeper cells across the region. By executing these quick pistol attacks with minimal footprints, terrorists ultimately aim to spread fear, disrupt normal daily life, and send a clear message that regional peace remains highly fragile.