Only 1 active local terrorist left in J&K; hunt on for Mohammed Lateef Bhat

Jammu and Kashmir has seen a dramatic drop in active local terrorists, with security agencies now identifying only one remaining: Mohammed Lateef Bhat.

Bhat, a resident of Kulgam, is the focus of an intensive manhunt. Investigators suspect him of involvement in the recent killings of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh and a head constable on July 22. He is also believed to have planned attacks targeting the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

Updated records indicate a significant decline from previous years. Five years ago, estimates placed the number of active local terrorists between 50 and 60. By May 2025, official figures showed 17 local militants active, alongside approximately 60 foreign terrorists.

Security officials attribute this reduction to a sustained crackdown on terror financing and narco-terrorism by agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These efforts have reportedly throttled groups involved in funding militant activities.

Bhat reportedly escaped a joint operation on July 8 that resulted in the death of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zakir Ahmed Ganei. Security forces believe Bhat and Ganei were collaborating on disrupting the Amarnath Yatra. Evidence suggests Bhat is also receiving assistance from local individuals. Investigators noted similarities in the recent killings, including the assailant wearing a cap and using a gunny bag to conceal the weapon, firing at close range.

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The joint operation was launched then because of intelligence inputs that Ganei and Bhatt, who worked together, planned to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra. This was part of Operation Sheruwali launched jointly by the forces. Bhatt managed to flee the cordon while Ganei was neutralised. Since then, security forces have pinned his involvement on the July 22 killing of the J&K head constable and the recent killing of the two migrants. He is the most wanted across J&K.