Terror Returns to J&K's Anantnag: Amarnath Yatra Cop Shot Dead, Massive Hunt Begins

A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable deployed for Amarnath Yatra security was killed in a targeted terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday, prompting security agencies to launch an extensive anti-terror operation across the Valley.

The victim, Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, was attacked around 12:30 pm at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, marking the first terrorist attack targeting police personnel in Kashmir this year. Officials said a lone terrorist, believed to be a Pakistani national, opened fire before fleeing the scene.

According to officials, Qureshi, who belonged to Beerwah in Budgam district and served with the J&K Police's IRP 3rd Battalion, sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital, Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Investigators revealed that the attacker had been standing outside a shop for some time with an assault rifle wrapped in cloth, drawing little suspicion. A shopkeeper reportedly even asked the man if he intended to buy something, unaware that he was preparing to strike.

The Resistance Front (TRF), considered a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post shortly after the incident, officials said.

The killing triggered an immediate and large-scale response from security forces. Search operations and checkpoints were intensified across Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam, while senior officers personally supervised the operation to track down those involved. Police also detained more than 1,000 suspected overground workers (OGWs) for questioning as part of the investigation.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited the attack site to review the security situation, while police, Army, and paramilitary personnel paid tribute to the fallen officer at the Anantnag Police Lines before his tricolour-wrapped coffin was sent to his native village.

The attack drew widespread condemnation from political leaders. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the slain policeman as a brave officer who made the ultimate sacrifice and said terrorism would not weaken the administration's resolve to restore peace. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that those behind the attack would be identified and brought to justice.

The incident has once again raised concerns over security in the Valley despite heightened deployment during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, one of the country's most heavily guarded annual pilgrimages.