Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was killed after a terrorist attack near Lal Chowk in Anantnag on Tuesday. Officials said he was deployed for Amarnath Yatra security duty when he was shot. Security forces launched operations across south Kashmir, detaining suspected overground workers, while TRF claimed responsibility for the attack.
A head constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was shot dead by a terrorist in Anantnag on Tuesday, marking the first targeted attack on a police personnel in the Union Territory this year. The attack, which took place while the policeman was deployed on Amarnath Yatra security duty, has triggered a large-scale anti-terror operation across south Kashmir.
According to officials, Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) 3rd Battalion was attacked at around 12.30 pm near Lal Chowk in Anantnag. He sustained critical gunshot injuries and was rushed to the Government Medical College hospital in Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Swift Crackdown After Attack Reflects Zero-Tolerance Approach
Officials said security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched an extensive search operation to trace the assailant. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited the attack site to assess the situation firsthand.
In what appears to be a strong response aimed at preventing any follow-up terror activity, security forces launched coordinated anti-terror operations across Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts. Dozens of suspected overground workers (OGWs) linked to terrorist networks were detained for questioning, PTI reports.
In Pulwama, police set up mobile checkpoints at several locations to monitor movement and prevent subversive activities. Additional Superintendent of Police Shafat Najar supervised frisking and search operations launched soon after the attack.
In Shopian, police carried out an extensive security and counter-terrorism operation to maintain law and order and prevent any attempt to disrupt peace. Similar operations were also conducted in Anantnag and neighbouring Kulgam district, with senior police officers monitoring the situation in all four districts.
Terror Strike Draws Strong Condemnation Across Political Spectrum
The Resistance Front (TRF), described by officials as a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killing, calling it a “cowardly attack” and a “heinous act”. He said those responsible would not escape justice and confirmed that he had spoken to Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to review the situation.
Expressing condolences to the slain policeman’s family, Sinha said the entire country stood with them and paid tribute to Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi for sacrificing his life in the line of duty.