---
title: "Kashmir's Most Wanted: 22-Year-Old Accused in Multiple Killings"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kashmir-most-wanted-militant-mohd-lateef-bhat-7ng7r
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-13T11:32:10.421Z
modified: 2026-08-13T13:45:05.568Z
language: en-IN
---

# Kashmir's Most Wanted: 22-Year-Old Accused in Multiple Killings

Authorities have placed a Rs 15 lakh bounty on a 22-year-old militant identified as Mohammad Lateef Bhat, accused of killing a policeman and two civilians. Bhat is reportedly the last active local militant in the Kashmir Valley.

## Key takeaways

- Mohammad Lateef Bhat, 22, is the subject of a 15 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest.
- He is accused of killing a policeman and two non-local workers in separate attacks in South Kashmir.
- Bhat is believed by police to be the last active local militant in the Kashmir Valley.
- Authorities estimate around 30 Pakistani nationals and Lashkar operatives are also hiding in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have declared Mohammad Lateef Bhat, a 22-year-old from South Kashmir, as the region's most wanted individual, offering a reward of 15 lakh Indian Rupees for information leading to his arrest. Posters featuring Bhat's photograph have been distributed across South Kashmir and Srinagar, placing the Valley on alert.

Bhat is accused of carrying out two fatal attacks in South Kashmir last month, which marked the first militant actions in the region since the Pahalgam incident in July of the previous year. These attacks involved the killing of a police head constable and two non-local workers. According to police records, Bhat is believed to be the sole local militant currently active in the Valley. Approximately 30 Pakistani nationals and Lashkar operatives are thought to be operating in the region.

A resident of Kulgam district, Bhat allegedly joined militant ranks in early 2025 and is reportedly associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba. He was identified on surveillance footage in Shopian on July 2, alongside an associate, Zakir Ahmad Ganai, who was later killed in a joint police and Army operation. Bhat, however, escaped. His alleged involvement includes the shooting of head constable Ashiq Hussain in Anantnag on July 22 and the killing of two workers at a brick kiln in Kulgam nine days later.

Police suspect that newly emerged militant groups, such as the Kashmir Revolutionary Army (KRA), The Resistance Front (TRF), People Against Fascists Forces (PAFF), and Kashmir Fighters, are fronts for established groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed. These groups have reportedly gained prominence following increased pressure on existing militant organizations and the elimination of top commanders.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kashmir-most-wanted-militant-mohd-lateef-bhat-7ng7r
Reported from: Multiple Sources