A Jammu and Kashmir police head constable deployed for security during the annual Amarnath Yatra was shot dead in a suspected militant attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, prompting a massive search operation and heightened security across the region.
Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi, 35, of the Indian Reserve Police’s 3rd Battalion and a resident of Budgam district, was attacked around 12:30 p.m. near the Clock Tower at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, police officials said.
Qureshi was on duty near the entrance of Kotwal Gali when a gunman opened fire at close range before fleeing, according to a senior police officer. He was rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead.
Security officials said the assailant fired multiple rounds, inflicting several gunshot wounds. The killing was the first fatal militant attack on a security force personnel in Kashmir since the terror attack in Pahalgam April last year.
Police have launched a search operation and intensified security measures across Anantnag and other parts of Kashmir. Random frisking, vehicle checks and mobile checkpoints have also been stepped up along key routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Cries and sobs echoed through Qureshi’s home village in Budgam district as relatives, neighbours and local residents gathered to mourn the slain policeman. Family members broke down while mourners offered prayers and condolences.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the District Police Lines in Anantnag to pay tribute to Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi. Senior police officers, civil administration officials and security personnel laid wreaths in his memory.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area. Footage reviewed by police allegedly shows a man wearing a black cap and carrying a bundle wrapped in saffron, white and green cloth, which officials believe concealed an AK-47 rifle used in the attack, as per The Print.
Security sources, as per the report, said preliminary investigations suggest the attacker may have been a foreign terrorist, although the investigation is ongoing.
The attack occurred during the annual Amarnath Yatra, though the pilgrimage had been temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall. Security personnel remained deployed along the route.
Police said they detained more than 1000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) for questioning after conducting coordinated raids across different district on Wednesday. The district-wide operation, carried out on the basis of “specific intelligence inputs,” was aimed at identifying and disrupting alleged militant support networks, police said.
Those detained are being questioned to verify any suspected involvement in activities considered prejudicial to the security of the Union Territory, police said, adding that further action would be taken against anyone found involved in supporting militant groups.
Shortly after the attack, The Resistance Front (TRF), which authorities describe as a proxy of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, as per The Print, claimed responsibility in an online statement.
Kashmir Outlook could not independently verify the authenticity of the claim.
The killing marks one of the most significant attacks on security personnel in Kashmir during this year’s Amarnath Yatra security deployment. Police said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the attacker.
Political leaders condemn the attack
Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir condemned the killing of the Head Constable and expressed solidarity with his family.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as a cowardly act and said it would not weaken the resolve of the security forces.
“These cowardly attacks will not weaken us, nor will the attackers succeed in their objectives. I am confident police will take action against those responsible,” Abdullah said, while paying tribute to the slain policeman.
People’s Conference president Sajad Lone also condemned the attack, describing the slain policeman as “brave” and extending his condolences to the bereaved family.
“I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Anantnag in which a brave J&K policeman was martyred. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah grant the departed soul Jannat-ul-Firdous and give strength to the family to bear this immense loss,” Lone said in a post on X.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami condemned the killing, called it a reprehensible act of violence.
“The heinous attack has snuffed out a precious life. Such acts of violence are deeply reprehensible and must be condemned unequivocally,” Tarigami said, expressing sympathy with the slain policeman’s family, friends and colleagues.
The attack also drew condemnation from other political leaders, who called for those responsible to be brought to justice and reiterated support for the security forces.
