Massive Anti-Terror Crackdown Launched
LG Reviews Situation With DGP Prabhat
Cowardly Attack Will Not Go Unpunished: LG Sinha
CM Omar Condemns Heinous Attack, Honors Martyr’s Sacrifice
DGP Prabhat , Spl DGP Gillani Pay Tributes as Massive Anti-Terror Crackdown Begins
Anantnag, Budgam: In a poignant twist of fate, tragedy has revisited the Qureshi household of Lolipora, Beerwah. Thirty years after Head Constable Ghulam Mohiuddin Qureshi died in the line of duty, his 45-year-old son, Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, was martyred in a targeted terror attack on Wednesday afternoon at Lal Chowk in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Ashiq Hussain, who belonged to the 3rd Battalion of the India Reserve Police (IRP) and was deployed on crucial security duty for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, was fired upon from close range by suspected terrorists around 12:30 PM. He was immediately rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Anantnag, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The attack triggered an immediate, high-level response and a massive anti-terror crackdown across the Valley. Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Special DGP, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi, DIG South Kashmir, and SSP Anantnag rushed to the spot to assess the situation and review ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Over 2,500 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been rounded up for questioning as joint security forces sealed Anantnag town and launched intensive cordon-and-search operations.
Later in the day, top officials paid floral tributes and extended a Guard of Honour to the fallen policeman during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the District Police Lines (DPL) Anantnag.
Reviewing the security scenario directly with the DGP, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack in strong terms. In a post on X, LG Sinha stated: “I spoke with DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the terror attack in Anantnag. 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 the 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”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed profound grief over the sacrifice of the brave policeman. Expressing his solidarity on X, CM Abdullah wrote: “Deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of IRP 3rd Battalion J&K Police. HC Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack in Anantnag area of South Kashmir. I unequivocally condemn this attack and send my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat”
Meanwhile witnesses said that as Ashiq’s mortal remains—draped in the Tricolour—arrived late Wednesday evening at his native village of Lolipora, emotional scenes unfolded. Hundreds of grieving villagers lined the roads, breaking down in tears as slogans like “Ashiq Tere Khoon Se Inquilab Aayega” and “Shaheed Ki Jo Maut Hai, Woh Qaum Ki Hayat Hai” echoed through the air.
Top civil and police leadership, including DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Omprakash Pandey, SSP Budgam Hariprasad K.K., and Deputy Commissioner Budgam, joined thousands of mourners to shoulder the coffin and offer funeral prayers.
For Lolipora, Ashiq was a pillar of humility, kindness, and devotion. He had joined the Jammu and Kashmir Police under the compassionate appointment policy after his father, Ghulam Mohiuddin Qureshi, lost his life to a landslide while on official duty in Ramban district in the 1990s. Family members revealed that Ashiq had spoken to them over the phone barely an hour before the cowardly attack.
Ashiq lived as the sole breadwinner, leaving behind his wife, two sons, a daughter, a widowed mother, a brother, and three married sisters. Villagers have urged the administration to extend full support and justice to the grieving family who has now sacrificed two generations in service to the nation.
