Massive anti-terror operation launched in South Kashmir after cop killed in Anantnag terror attack

Security forces launched a massive anti-terror crackdown across four districts of south Kashmir: Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam and detained dozens of suspected overground workers (OGWs) within hours after a lone terrorist shot dead a head constable deployed on Amarnath Yatra security duty in Anantnag on Wednesday, PTI reported.

The attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel, the first terror attack targeting police personnel this year, took place around 12.30 pm at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, the officials said.

Soon after the killing, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a massive operation to track down the assailant.

Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat visited the attack site for a first-hand assessment of the situation.

In Pulwama, police established mobile check-points at several locations to prevent the movement of subversive elements, officials said.

They said Additional Superintendent of Police Shafat Najar supervised the frisking and search operations.

In Shopian, police carried out an extensive security and counter-terrorism operation across the district to prevent any attempt to disturb peace and maintain a robust security environment.

As part of the operation, dozens of suspected OGWs linked to terrorist networks were detained for questioning, the officials said, adding that similar operations were launched in Anantnag and the adjoining Kulgam district.

Senior police officers in each of the four districts are monitoring the operations in their respective areas, they said.

Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the IRP 3rd Battalion, who was posted on Amarnath Yatra security duty, was critically injured after being shot and rushed to the Government Medical College hospital in Anantnag.

Hussain was declared dead on arrival by the doctors, the officials said.

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

The terror attack drew widespread condemnation from political leaders.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killing and said the "heinous act" would not go "unpunished".

"I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. This heinous act will not go unpunished. JK Police and our security forces are on the ground and will bring those responsible to justice," Sinha said in a post on X.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the heinous attack.

Security forces remain on heightened alert across the Valley to prevent any attempt by terrorists to disturb peace and law and order, officials said.