A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable was killed after terrorists opened fire on a police party in Anantnag on Wednesday, marking the first major terror strike in the Kashmir Valley since the 2025 Pahalgam attack. The incident occurred while the police team was deployed for security duties in the town, prompting an immediate counter-terror operation by security forces.
The attack took place in the busy Lal Chowk area of Anantnag, where terrorists targeted a police party at close range before fleeing the scene. The injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts. Authorities identified the slain officer as Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Immediately after the attack, security forces launched a massive cordon-and-search operation across Anantnag and adjoining areas to trace the assailants. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sealed key roads and intensified surveillance using checkpoints and intelligence inputs.
Officials said the attack has triggered heightened security measures across south Kashmir, particularly because of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, for which security deployment has already been significantly strengthened. Additional forces have been deployed at sensitive locations to ensure the safety of pilgrims and civilians.
The incident has also prompted a broader crackdown on suspected militant networks operating in the region. According to police, thousands of suspects and overground workers have been detained for questioning as part of efforts to dismantle the support infrastructure used by terrorist groups. Authorities said the operation is aimed at preventing further attacks and identifying those providing logistical assistance to militants.
In a parallel action, authorities demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives believed to be linked to militant activities in Anantnag. Officials described the move as part of an intensified campaign against terror infrastructure following the killing of the police officer.
Senior police and security officials have condemned the attack and reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and intelligence inputs to establish the identities and movements of the attackers.
The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir despite sustained counter-terror operations. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as the search operation continues across the region.
