DODA, Jammu & Kashmir: In a major counter-terrorism initiative, Jammu & Kashmir Police have launched a public awareness and tracking campaign across Doda district by displaying 'Wanted' posters of alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant Mohammad Lateef Bhat at multiple police checkpoints and strategic public locations. A cash reward of ₹15 lakh has also been announced for credible information leading to his arrest.
The posters have been put up at several prominent locations, including the Doda–Ghat Road Police Naka, Desa Road Police Naka, and checkpoints along the Doda–Bhaderwah route, besides other police installations across the district. Through this campaign, police have appealed to the public to immediately report any information regarding the militant's whereabouts, movements or anyone providing him shelter.
Jammu & Kashmir Police have assured that the identity of every informant will remain strictly confidential, and citizens have been urged to contact the nearest police station or the helpline numbers mentioned on the posters.
Wanted in Multiple Terror Cases
According to investigating agencies, Mohammad Lateef Bhat, a resident of Kulgam district in South Kashmir, is an active operative of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is wanted in connection with multiple terror-related incidents under investigation.
He has been identified as the prime suspect in the July 22 killing of J&K Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was shot dead while performing Amarnath Yatra security duties in Anantnag district.
Investigating agencies have also linked him to the July 31 attack in Kelam village of Kulgam, where two non-local labourers, Deepak and Bhupinder, were targeted in a terrorist attack that claimed their lives.
Escaped During Shopian Encounter
Security agencies state that Mohammad Lateef Bhat escaped during a recent anti-terror operation in Shopian, in which his close associate Zakir Ganaie was killed. Since then, efforts to locate and apprehend him have been intensified.
Focus on the Chandrabhaga Region
Security agencies believe there is a possibility that terrorist elements operating under pressure in the Kashmir Valley may attempt to shift towards the Chandrabhaga Region, which comprises the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, in an effort to establish logistical support or safe hideouts.
Keeping this possibility in view, Doda Police have intensified public awareness measures by displaying the wanted posters across the district. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that local residents remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activity, thereby denying terrorist elements any opportunity to find support or shelter in the region.
Public Asked to Remain Vigilant
Police have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and immediately share any credible information related to the wanted militant with the nearest police station or through the contact numbers printed on the posters.
Authorities have reiterated that all information received from the public will be treated with complete confidentiality, and the cooperation of citizens remains vital in maintaining peace and security across the Chandrabhaga Region.