Lashkar’s Most-Wanted Terrorist Suspected Behind Recent Attacks In J&K: Sources

A Pakistan-based operative from Lashkar-e-Toiba’s affiliate, The Resistance Front, is believed to be behind the recent surge in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, according to security agency sources. Saifullah Sajid Jatt, identified as a “hardcore terrorist” by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), hails from Shangamanga village in Kasur district, Punjab, Pakistan. He has a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head.

Sources indicate that Jatt operates from a base camp in Islamabad, Pakistan. His wife, of Indian origin, resides with him. Jatt has previously been active in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and is currently involved in recruiting for Lashkar and facilitating terrorist infiltration into India. He is considered an operational commander of Lashkar, managing both recruitment and terror funding, and is listed among the NIA’s most wanted.

Security agencies suspect Jatt has a contact named Qasim in Jammu and Kashmir, and efforts are underway to locate him. Jatt is believed to be responsible for several terror attacks in the region over the past few years.

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Jammu and Kashmir have recently experienced a wave of terror attacks. Last month, terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims, causing it to fall into a gorge in Reasi district, resulting in nine deaths. Days later, two armed terrorists opened fire in a village, prompting a response from security forces. A CRPF personnel was killed in the ensuing gunfight, and the terrorists were shot dead.

In the last two days, five terrorists have been killed in separate encounters in Kulgam district. These incidents also resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, including a para-trooper. The attacks coincide with the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, adding to the region’s tensions.