Only one local terrorist active in Kashmir Valley, says IGP Sujit Kumar
Security agencies suspect foreign terrorists are present in the higher reaches despite the low number of local recruits.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar said on Thursday that only one listed local terrorist is currently active in the Kashmir Valley. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Kumar identified the individual as 21-year-old Lateef Ahmad, a resident of South Kashmir affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
According to WION, the terrorist is allegedly supported by foreign terrorists. Kumar stated that the individual was involved in two terror-related incidents in the Anantnag and Pulwama districts, including an attack on a policeman in Anantnag that left one officer dead.
The IGP noted that while the local recruit is limited, security agencies suspect foreign terrorists are operating in the higher reaches of the region. Kumar said that these foreign terrorists transit between locations and that the police are tracking them.
Security sources told WION that Pakistani handlers are making efforts to revive sleeper cells and re-establish networks in Kashmir. However, these attempts to lure local youth into terrorist organisations have reportedly received little or no response, causing frustration among handlers across the border.
Regarding security, Kumar said that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are being recovered frequently along the national highway. He added that any technology used by terrorists or their outfits is on the police radar.
In a separate crackdown, the J&K Police reported that between January 1 and October 31, 2026, they registered 1,651 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This resulted in 1,941 arrests and the recovery of more than 1,711 kg of narcotic substances.