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J&K cop Aashiq Hussain Qureshi killed in first terror attack since Pahalgam killings
This is the first terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the deadly attack in Pahalgam in April last year claimed 26 lives.
A policeman was killed after terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag town on Wednesday. The attack took place at around 12.30 pm at Lal Chowk in Anantnag.
This is the first terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since April 22, 2025, when 26 civilians were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.
According to officials, Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi (Belt No. 20), of the IR 3rd Battalion and a resident of Beerwah in Budgam district, was deployed on Amarnath Yatra security duty when he came under attack.
He was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag, where the attending doctors declared him dead. Further medico-legal proceedings are being carried out as per protocol.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the assailants.
Reacting to the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the IRP 3rd Battalion, J&K Police, who was killed in the line of duty.
"HC Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack in the 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," Abdullah said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack, saying he had spoken to Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to review the situation.
"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 the 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," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Reacting to the attack, CPI(M) Central Committee member and Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami condemned the killing, calling it a "heinous attack" that had "snuffed out a precious life."
"Such acts of violence are deeply reprehensible and must be condemned unequivocally. I express my deepest sympathies with the family, friends and colleagues of the slain policeman in this hour of grief," Tarigami said in a post on X.
