The killing of Police Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag, South Kashmir, on Wednesday has heightened security concerns. It is the first targeted attack on Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in the Valley after a gap of nearly 33 months.
Amid dwindling support for terrorist groups and mounting pressure from security forces, the changing tactics of terrorist organisations have posed a fresh challenge. Immediately after the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with other security agencies, launched one of the largest-ever anti-terror operations in the Valley.
In a post on X, the CRPF Srinagar Sector said security across the Valley had been placed on high alert following the attack.
"Security forces have intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints, and launched search operations to maintain law and order. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces," the CRPF said.
Officials said security deployments have been reinforced at sensitive locations across Kashmir, while additional checking and search operations are underway as part of the heightened security measures.
Indications of Pakistani terrorist involvement
More than 2,000 terrorist associates have been detained as part of a massive crackdown aimed at dismantling the terrorists' support network.
Security agencies are reviewing CCTV footage that surfaced after the attack. The footage reportedly shows a suspect, dressed in black and wearing a black cap, concealing an assault rifle in a bag before fleeing the scene. However, authorities have not officially identified the individual seen in the footage or confirmed his direct involvement in the attack.
Initial investigations suggested that the attacker was a local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist. However, as the probe has progressed, investigators have also found indications of the possible involvement of a Pakistani terrorist. A senior police official said the investigation is progressing rapidly and all possible angles are being examined to identify and apprehend the attacker.
Meanwhile, The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post. However, security agencies have not officially verified the claim.
Houses of two LeT terrorists demolished in South Kashmir
Within 24 hours of the Anantnag terror attack, authorities on Thursday demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, officials said.
According to officials, the demolished properties belonged to Aadil Thokar, a resident of Guree in Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai, a resident of Hassanpora in Anantnag district.
The action followed Wednesday's attack at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, where terrorists shot dead Police Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi.
Officials said the demolitions were carried out as part of an ongoing crackdown on terrorists and infrastructure allegedly linked to them in the district.
