Kulgam CRPF Attack: Security Forces Intensify Manhunt for Wanted Lashkar Operative With ₹15 Lakh Reward

Security forces have stepped up counter-terror operations across South Kashmir’s Kulgam district following a firing attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel that injured three security personnel on November 11, 2026. Investigating agencies suspect the involvement of wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Mohammad Lateef Bhat, also known as Abdul Latief Bhat, who carries a reward of ₹15 lakh for information leading to his capture.

The attack took place near Nowpora Akhran in the Mir Bazar area of Kulgam, where CRPF personnel were deployed for security duties. According to reports, two motorcycle-borne attackers approached the security deployment and opened fire before escaping from the area. The sudden assault triggered an immediate response from CRPF personnel, while additional security teams were deployed to prevent the attackers from fleeing further.

Three personnel belonging to the CRPF’s 46th Battalion sustained injuries during the incident. The injured personnel were identified as Constable Rakesh Dass, Constable Santosh Chandru and Head Constable Somveer Singh. They were initially taken to Government Medical College in Anantnag for medical assistance. One seriously injured personnel was subsequently airlifted to Srinagar’s 92 Base Hospital for advanced treatment. According to reports published on November 13, the condition of all three personnel was stable.

Following the incident, security agencies launched extensive cordon-and-search operations across several locations in Kulgam to identify and apprehend those responsible. Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other security formations, are examining available evidence and gathering intelligence to establish the identities and movements of the attackers.

Mohammad Lateef Bhat has emerged as a major suspect in the investigation. A resident of Khrewan Chader village in Kulgam district, Bhat is believed by security agencies to be associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and its alleged proxy organisation, The Resistance Front (TRF). Police had already intensified efforts to locate him before the latest attack, including circulating wanted posters in prominent areas of Srinagar.

The ₹15 lakh reward was announced as part of efforts to obtain credible information about his whereabouts and facilitate his arrest. Authorities have appealed to members of the public to share any reliable information that could assist security agencies in locating the wanted operative. The identity of informants is expected to remain confidential.

Investigators also suspect Bhat’s involvement in previous violent incidents in South Kashmir. These include the July 22 killing of a Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in Anantnag and the July 31 attack on migrant workers in Kulgam. However, his alleged role in these incidents and the latest CRPF attack remains subject to investigation.

Security agencies are also examining possible connections between the November attack and earlier incidents involving suspected militant networks operating in the region. Intelligence inputs, CCTV footage and forensic evidence are expected to assist investigators in establishing the sequence of events and identifying those involved.

The latest attack has prompted heightened security measures across South Kashmir, with additional search operations being conducted to track down the suspected militants. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also reviewed the security situation and directed security forces to take firm action against those responsible.

With the manhunt continuing, security agencies are focusing on identifying the attackers, tracing their support networks and preventing further militant activity in the region. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.