Terror Returns to Kashmir: Policeman Killed in Anantnag While Guarding Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims
Srinagar: Terror struck Jammu and Kashmir once again on Wednesday when a police head constable was shot dead by suspected terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district while performing security duty for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, officials said.
The attack occurred around 12:30 pm at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, where a police patrol had been deployed to safeguard thousands of Amarnath pilgrims passing through the area. Suspected terrorists opened fire on the police team, critically injuring one officer. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The slain officer has been identified as Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the 3rd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP), Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The killing has heightened security concerns during the annual pilgrimage, prompting security agencies to intensify vigil across the Kashmir Valley.
Policeman shot dead in terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag. More details on @NDTV. pic.twitter.com/1ZV3hddUE8
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 22, 2026
Omar Abdullah Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Attack
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the fallen policeman.
In a post on X, Abdullah said he was deeply saddened by the death of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain, describing his sacrifice as an act of supreme courage in the line of duty. He termed the incident a “cowardly terror attack” and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying for eternal peace for the slain officer.
TRF Claims Responsibility
According to reports, The Resistance Front (TRF)—which Indian security agencies identify as a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post.
The incident marks the first major terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir since the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, lost their lives in one of the Valley’s deadliest attacks in recent years.
Following the Pahalgam massacre, TRF had claimed responsibility twice within 24 hours, while Indian security agencies later said investigations had established operational and logistical links between the attackers and handlers based in Pakistan.
Security forces have launched a massive search operation in and around Anantnag to track down those responsible for Wednesday’s attack, while security arrangements for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra have been further strengthened.
