Pakistan-based Lashkar operative behind recent J&K terror attacks: Report
What's the story
Saifullah Sajid Jatt, a "hardcore terrorist" from Shangamanga village in Kasur district of Pakistan's Punjab, has been identified by security agencies as the operative behind the recent surge in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, NDTV reported, citing sources. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has even placed a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head. Currently operating from Islamabad, Jatt is believed to be responsible for Lashkar's recruitment and helping terrorists infiltrate into India.
Operational commander
Jatt's role in Lashkar and recent terror activities
Jatt, considered an operational commander of the Lashkar-e-Toiba arm, The Resistance Front, also manages its terror funding. He features on the NIA's most-wanted list. Security agencies suspect that he has a contact person named Qasim in Jammu and Kashmir, for whom a search operation is underway. It is believed that Jatt has orchestrated several terror strikes in the Valley over the past few years.
Rising violence
Recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir
This information was revealed following a series of terror attacks over the past few months in the Union Territory. Last month, a bus carrying pilgrims was targeted by terrorists, resulting in nine fatalities after it fell into a gorge in Reasi district. Following this incident, two armed terrorists invaded a village and initiated gunfire, leading to the deaths of a CRPF personnel and the terrorists after security forces intervened.
Encounters
Recent developments in counter-terror operations
In the past two days alone, five terrorists have been neutralized in separate encounters in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. These encounters also resulted in the loss of two soldiers, including a para-trooper. These attacks coincide with the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage in the region. Thousands of police, CRPF, ITBP, and other paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure safety for the annual pilgrimage.