Jammu And Kashmir Terror Acttack: One Policeman Killed in Anantnag; Lashkar Proxy Claims Responsibility

A police head constable deployed for Amarnath Yatra security was killed in a terrorist attack at Lal Chowk in Anantnag. Security forces sealed the area and launched a search for the attackers.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 22 July 2026, 3:13 PM IST

Jammu And Kashmir terror attack, one police personal killed (Img: Pinterest)

Anantnag: A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable was killed after terrorists opened fire in Anantnag town on Wednesday afternoon, prompting security forces to launch an extensive search operation.

The attack took place at around 12.30 pm near Lal Chowk, where Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi was deployed as part of the security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra.

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Officials said Qureshi, a member of the Indian Reserve Police’s 3rd Battalion, sustained critical gunshot injuries in the attack. He was immediately taken to Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead.

Security Forces Seal Attack Site

Soon after the firing, security personnel cordoned off Lal Chowk and surrounding localities. Additional teams were deployed to trace the attackers, while checkpoints were established on key routes leading out of the town.

Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and gathering information from witnesses to determine how the assailants approached and escaped from the area.

The attack was the first reported terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir since the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were killed.

Leaders Condemn Killing

CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a reprehensible act of violence. He expressed condolences to the slain policeman’s family, friends and colleagues.

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Qureshi was a resident of Beerwah in Budgam district. Police said medico-legal formalities were being completed as per procedure.

The killing has raised fresh security concerns during the Amarnath Yatra, with officials expected to review deployment and surveillance measures across sensitive areas in south Kashmir.