LG, CM condemn attack; DGP supervises manhunt
Srinagar: A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable was killed after being shot by suspected bike-borne terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, triggering a massive manhunt, Valley-wide raids against terror networks, and strong condemnation from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The slain policeman was identified as Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion of the India Reserve Police (IRP), a resident of Beerwah in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. He was on patrol duty at Lal Chowk in Anantnag town, where a police team had been deployed as part of heightened security arrangements for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
According to official sources, the attack took place at around 12:30 pm when bike-borne terrorists opened fire from a moving vehicle, critically injuring the policeman. He was rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Security forces immediately launched a massive cordon-and-search operation in Anantnag town, sealing all entry and exit points to trace the assailants.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Special DGP Javid Mujtaba Gilani and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V.K. Birdi reached Anantnag to supervise the ongoing manhunt and review the security situation.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to DGP Prabhat and reviewed the situation following the attack. Condemning the incident, Sinha described it as a “cowardly” and “heinous” act and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The whole country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the family of the martyr,” the Lieutenant Governor said in a post on X, adding that J&K Police and security forces were on the ground and would ensure the attackers did not escape punishment.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
Following the killing, security agencies intensified anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley. Senior officials said police and security forces conducted extensive raids in multiple districts, including Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, Sopore and Baramulla, during which more than 3,000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to terrorist outfits were rounded up for questioning and verification.
Officials said search operations have also been intensified across several vulnerable areas as part of efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and identify those involved in the attack.
According to reports, The Resistance Front (TRF), considered a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. The outfit has been linked to several major terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
Meanwhile, Anantnag Police issued a public advisory warning citizens and social media platforms against circulating unauthorised photographs, videos, edited clips and unverified information related to the terror incident.
Police said the circulation of fake or misleading content could hamper the ongoing investigation, create panic and spread misinformation. All social media users and platforms were directed to immediately remove unauthorised content related to the incident, failing which strict legal action would be initiated under relevant provisions of law.
The police also urged the public to rely only on official updates issued by authorised government agencies and appealed for cooperation in preventing the spread of misinformation.
The attack comes amid heightened security across the Kashmir Valley for the annual Amarnath Yatra and follows a series of anti-terror operations conducted this year. Earlier this month, security forces eliminated Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zakir Ahmad Ganie during a five-day joint operation in Shopian’s Meemandar orchard area. The operation, jointly carried out by the Army’s Victor Force, J&K Police and the CRPF, concluded on July 8 with the recovery of arms and ammunition after the militant was neutralised.
