Kashmir Security – Police Announce Rs 15 Lakh Reward to Trace Wanted LeT Militant

Kashmir Security –   Jammu and Kashmir Police has announced a reward of Rs 15 lakh for credible information leading to the whereabouts of wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant Mohammad Lateef Bhat, who is believed by investigators to be linked to two recent militant attacks in the Valley.

Reward Announced to Encourage Public Cooperation

As part of the ongoing search, police have displayed posters featuring photographs of the 22-year-old militant at key public locations across Kashmir, including Srinagar. Authorities have urged residents to come forward with reliable information that could help security agencies locate the suspect.

Investigators say Lateef Bhat has emerged as a key figure during the probe into two separate attacks that took place within days of each other in south Kashmir. Officials believe gathering public inputs could play an important role in tracking his movements.

Suspected Role in Recent Attacks

According to police sources, Lateef is suspected of involvement in the killing of police constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was shot dead in the busy Lal Chowk area of Anantnag on July 22. He is also believed to have been connected to the July 31 attack at a brick kiln in the Kilam area of Kulgam district, where two labourers from Chhattisgarh lost their lives.

Security agencies continue to examine evidence collected from both incidents as part of the wider investigation into militant activity in the region.

Escape During Shopian Encounter

Officials said Lateef joined the militant ranks last year and narrowly escaped during a security operation in Shopian last month. During the encounter, security forces had surrounded two local militants, including Lateef and Zakir Ahmed.

While Zakir Ahmed was killed after a five-day operation, Lateef managed to flee the area despite the extensive cordon laid by security personnel. His escape prompted agencies to widen their search across several districts.

Public Asked to Share Credible Information

The posters issued by police request citizens to immediately inform security agencies if they possess verified information about the militant’s location. Authorities have provided dedicated telephone numbers, a WhatsApp contact, and a Telegram ID to make it easier for people to report information.

Police have assured the public that anyone providing credible intelligence will receive the announced reward and that the identity of informants will remain completely confidential. Officials have appealed for responsible cooperation and urged people to share only verified information.

Security Operations Intensified Across the Valley

Following the back-to-back militant attacks, security forces have stepped up counterterrorism operations throughout the Kashmir Valley. Multiple raids and search operations have been conducted at different locations as part of the effort to trace the wanted militant and identify possible support networks.

Authorities have also carried out a large-scale crackdown on suspected overground workers believed to be assisting militant groups. According to officials, more than 3,500 suspected individuals were detained by police and other security agencies across the Valley after the killing of the police constable. Investigations are continuing as security agencies work to prevent further attacks and strengthen surveillance in sensitive areas.