Anantnag: In a deadly strike on the busy Anantnag-Kokernag Road, terrorists gunned down a personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday afternoon.
Head constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was on duty along the Amarnath Yatra route when he was shot dead by the terrorists around 12.30 pm, officials said.
Qureshi, from Budgam, was seriously injured in the strike and moved to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A massive manhunt has begun in search of the terrorists, the officials said.
Reinforcements were rushed to the spot where the attack took place. Joint teams of the Army, CRPF and J&K Police are combing the area in search of the perpetrators. Several people have been questioned in this connection.
The Amarnath Yatra has been peaceful over the last several years. Stringent security measures are in place for this year’s Yatra as well.
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir condemned the strike and said he spoke with DGP 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 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,” Sinha posted on X.