Jammu and Kashmir Police offers Rs 15 lakh reward for Lashkar‑e‑Taiba militant

On August 5, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh for information leading to the arrest of 22‑year‑old Lashkar‑e‑Taiba operative Mohammad Lateef Bhat, who is suspected of carrying out twin attacks in the valley.

The attacks included the killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag market on July 22 and the murder of two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh at a brick kiln in Kulgam district on July 31. Posters with Bhat’s photograph have been placed across the region, and authorities have provided phone, WhatsApp and Telegram contacts for tips, guaranteeing anonymity and the reward. Over 3,500 suspected over‑ground workers have been detained as part of the ongoing manhunt.