Head Constable Killed in Cordon and Search Operation

Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was killed on Tuesday after terrorists opened fire on security forces during a cordon and search operation near Lal Chowk in Anantnag town, south Kashmir. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, officials said.

How the Attack Unfolded

Acting on the intelligence tip-off, teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Special Operations Group (SOG), and other security personnel reached the locality around 12:30 pm and began a cordon and search operation. Terrorists hiding in the area opened indiscriminate fire on the security personnel, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire. Head Constable Qureshi, a resident of Beerwah in Budgam district, sustained critical injuries in the initial exchange and was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag, where he later succumbed to his wounds.

Manhunt Launched for Attackers

Following the attack, senior police officers rushed to the spot and the entire area was sealed off, with security forces plugging possible escape routes in an effort to track down those responsible. A search operation remains underway in the area.

Lieutenant Governor's Condolences

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the attack. In a message shared on X, Sinha wrote, "I spoke with DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the terror attack in Anantnag. 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 in this hour of grief."

Security on High Alert Amid Amarnath Yatra

The attack comes as security agencies have significantly stepped up surveillance and preventive measures across Jammu and Kashmir for the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra, with thousands of pilgrims travelling through the region. Earlier this month, Anantnag Police had detained an alleged terror overground worker after a facial recognition system installed at the Nunwan base camp flagged the individual during routine screening, an incident officials had cited as an example of technology strengthening the pilgrimage's multi-layered security framework.

A Family and Region in Mourning

Head Constable Qureshi's death has left his family and colleagues in mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the security establishment and the wider region for his sacrifice in the line of duty. His body is being sent to his native Beerwah in Budgam district for last rites.