Lashkar-e-Taiba Forms New Kashmir Group to Divert Attention from Kulgam Attack Mastermind

New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Indian security agencies are intensifying their efforts to apprehend Mohammad Latif Bhat, the suspected mastermind behind the recent Kulgam attack that left three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel injured. In a strategic move, Lashkar-e-Taiba appears to be employing diversion tactics.

Little information is available about Mohammad Umar Azzam, who claims to be the spokesperson for the newly formed group ‘Pasdaran-e-Hurriyat Kashmir.’ This organization has taken responsibility for the Kulgam attack through social media posts attributed to Azzam. Following the incident, several similar posts have circulated online.

An intelligence bureau official noted that Lashkar-e-Taiba has established proxy organizations like The Resistance Front (TRF) and the Kashmir Revolutionary Army (KRA) to project a local image. However, the emergence of Pasdaran-e-Hurriyat Kashmir and Azzam seems aimed at redirecting focus away from Bhat.

The official stated, “Mohammad Latif Bhat is a key operative for Lashkar and has been active in the organization for several months. He has mastered the art of carrying out small-scale attacks and then blending into the local population.” Bhat is reportedly armed with an AK-47 and has evaded capture by going underground.

In the wake of the Kulgam attack, authorities have plastered posters seeking information about Bhat and his associates, Bilal Ahmed Mir, Mohammad Umar Mir, and Abid Qayoom. It is confirmed that Bhat, originally from Kulgam in South Kashmir, is still in Jammu and Kashmir, while his associates are believed to be hiding in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The official emphasized that Lashkar-e-Taiba is eager to divert security agencies’ attention from Bhat, as maintaining operational activity in the region is crucial for the group’s survival. Bhat is among the few operatives capable of sustaining the group’s activities through targeted attacks.

This diversion tactic aims to buy time for Lashkar-e-Taiba to reestablish its base in Jammu and Kashmir. The arrest or death of Mohammad Latif Bhat would deal a significant blow to the organization, prompting it to create proxy groups like Pasdaran-e-Hurriyat Kashmir and appoint Azzam as a spokesperson to further distract from Bhat.

However, the statement from Pasdaran-e-Hurriyat Kashmir does not solely focus on claiming responsibility for the Kulgam attack. It also references issues related to Hindutva and warns of a new wave of attacks targeting Hindus, with claims of eliminating Hindu dominance.

Another official remarked that the diversionary tactics are evident. The statement attempts to distract security forces, who are closing in on Bhat.

Lashkar-e-Taiba seeks to leverage this distraction to provide Bhat with a better chance to evade security agencies and escape encirclement. Both the ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba would prefer he remains in Jammu and Kashmir, as he is considered vital for orchestrating future attacks in the valley.

The official further noted, “He is well-trained and requires minimal guidance. Until new recruits are trained and ready for combat, the ISI will do everything possible to protect Bhat, who is also linked to the fatal shooting of Jammu and Kashmir Head Constable Ashiq Hussain in Anantnag.”

Following the Kulgam attack, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, successfully preventing the attackers from advancing or hiding.

Officials anticipate the emergence of several more proxy organizations in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days, with threats directed at migrant workers and Kashmiri Pandits expected to surface.