New Delhi, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Security agencies have assessed that Lashkar-e-Tayiba is attempting to revive its earlier operational strategy in Jammu and Kashmir by using proxy groups, concealed weapons and civilian targets to rebuild its presence in the Valley.
The assessment comes after two terror attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam within a span of ten days. Investigators believe both incidents were carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Tayiba.
Officials said the terror group appears to be pushing alternate names and narratives to distance itself from attacks. Following the Anantnag incident, a social media claim attributed responsibility to the United Liberation Council, but investigators described it as an attempt to divert attention from Lashkar’s involvement.
Security agencies are examining the role of a Lashkar operative identified as Latif, who is suspected to have played a key role in the recent attacks. Officials said Latif had earlier worked with Lashkar commander Zakir Ganai and was involved in operations in Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam. Ganai was later killed in an encounter with security forces, while Latif managed to escape.
According to officials, Latif has been maintaining a low profile while attempting to carry out small-scale hit-and-run attacks in South Kashmir. Agencies believe such strikes are aimed at projecting the outfit’s continued relevance and encouraging recruitment.
Officials said the recent Kulgam attack reflected a return to Lashkar’s earlier pattern of targeting migrant workers and minorities to create fear among non-locals and disrupt normal life in the region.
Security agencies have also noted that threat messages and hit lists circulated through terror-linked channels before the Kulgam attack. Targets reportedly include Kashmiri Pandits, minorities and migrant workers, with attackers likely to focus on areas with limited security presence.
With heightened security around sensitive installations and military facilities making large-scale attacks difficult, agencies believe terrorist groups are shifting towards low-profile civilian attacks. Operatives have reportedly been instructed to use pistols instead of larger weapons such as AK-47 rifles, as they are easier to conceal.
Officials said another challenge is the recruitment of individuals without prior criminal backgrounds, who may be used for isolated attacks before disappearing from the radar of security agencies.
While civilians remain a key target, security personnel continue to face threats. In the Anantnag attack, Lashkar militants killed Hussain, a 35-year-old head constable from Budgam, who was deployed for Amarnath Yatra security.
Officials said Lashkar has repeatedly threatened local residents working with police and security forces, and continues to target those who reject its calls to abandon government service.
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