Anantnag, Jul 22: A Head Constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was killed in a terrorist attack in the Lal Chowk area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, triggering a massive security crackdown across the Valley, with over 2500 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) picked up for questioning and search operations intensified at multiple locations.
An official said that terrorists appeared at busy Lal Chowk around 12:30 pm and fired upon a policeman from a close range. He sustained critical injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The slain policeman was identified as Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the 3rd Battalion of the India Reserve Police (IRP), who was deployed for security duties related to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
The attack sent shockwaves across the district, prompting security forces and police to launch a large-scale cordon and search operation. The entire Anantnag town was sealed, with additional reinforcements rushed to the area as forces began a massive manhunt to track down the attackers.
A senior official said that following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other security agencies, launched coordinated raids across several districts of the Valley.
“More than 2500 suspected OGWs have been picked up for questioning during the ongoing operations. Searches and verification drives are continuing, particularly in South Kashmir, to identify and apprehend those involved in the attack or providing logistical support to terrorists,” the official said.
Senior police officers, including Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Special DGP, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Kashmir, SSP Anantnag, and officers from various security forces visited the attack site to assess the situation and review the ongoing anti-terror operations.
Later in the day, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the District Police Lines (DPL) Anantnag, where senior officers paid floral tributes to the slain policeman and offered a Guard of Honour in recognition of his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the terror attack and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said he spoke to DGP Nalin Prabhat to review the security situation following the attack and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family. “I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. This heinous act will not go unpunished. J&K Police and our security forces are on the ground and will bring those responsible to justice. The entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the family of the martyr,” the LG wrote.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the killing, describing it as a cowardly act of terror. “Deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of IRP 3rd Battalion J&K Police. HC Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack in Anantnag area of South Kashmir. I unequivocally condemn this attack and send my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat,” Omar Abdullah wrote on X.
The killing comes amid heightened security arrangements across Jammu and Kashmir due to the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra. Security agencies have further strengthened deployment at vulnerable locations while intelligence-based operations have been stepped up to prevent any further terror incidents.
Police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the attack, while efforts are underway to identify and neutralise the terrorists involved. (KNO)
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