Cop on Amarnath yatra security duty gunned down by terrorists in Anantnag

Amid one of the biggest security deployments for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, terrorists shot dead a policeman on pilgrimage duty in Anantnag on Wednesday,

The slain policeman, Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the IR 3rd Battalion, was reportedly deployed on Amarnath Yatra security duty when he was fired upon at Lal Chowk in Anantnag around 12.30 pm, reports said.

He suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead. This marks the first terror attack in the area since last year’s Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians, 25 of them tourists, were killed.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to track down the assailants, they said.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post.

The attack has come at a time when security has been increased across the region for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha spoke with DGP Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the terror attack in Anantnag.

He wrote on X “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 of martyr. 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”.

Paying tributes to the killed cop, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X “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 & send my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat”.

In a post on X, the Kashmir Zone Police has warned of strict action against those circulating photographs and videos related to the Anantnag terror incident.

Police wrote “It has been observed that certain media organizations and members of the public are circulating photographs and videos related to the terror incident in Anantnag”.

“Cyber Police J&K cautions all media organizations and the general public to refrain from sharing, publishing, forwarding, or circulating such content on any platform”.

“Dissemination of such material may hamper ongoing investigations, compromise public security, and attract legal action under the relevant provisions of law. Strict action shall be taken against violators”, Police warned.