Anantnag terror attack: J&K L-G condemns killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi
Synopsis
A policeman on routine patrol was shot dead by bike-borne terrorists in Anantnag, South Kashmir — a targeted strike on security forces that prompted the J&K DGP to personally lead the manhunt and the Lt. Governor to vow on X that the attack ‘will not go unpunished.’ All exit points of the town are sealed as a massive cordon operation unfolds.
Key Takeaways
Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion, IRP , was shot dead by bike-borne terrorists while on patrol in Anantnag town , South Kashmir.
Qureshi belonged to Beerwah town , Budgam district .
DGP Nalin Prabhat , Special DGP Javid Mujtaba Gilani , and IGP Kashmir V.K.
Birdi reached Anantnag to supervise the manhunt.
Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack on X, vowing the ‘heinous act will not go unpunished.’ All entry and exit points of Anantnag town have been sealed; a cordon and search operation is ongoing.
Anantnag Police issued a strict advisory warning against circulating unauthorised visuals or misinformation related to the attack.
A bike-borne terrorist shot and killed Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion, Indian Reserve Police (IRP), while he was on patrol duty in Anantnag town, South Kashmir, on Wednesday. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack, and Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat personally rushed to the site to supervise a large-scale manhunt for the assailants.
The Attack
According to police sources, the assailants were riding a motorcycle when they opened fire on Head Constable Qureshi during his patrol in Anantnag town. Qureshi, who belonged to Beerwah town in Budgam district, succumbed to his injuries. Security forces immediately sealed all entry and exit points of the town and launched a massive cordon and search operation to hunt down the perpetrators.
Senior Officers Rush to Anantnag
DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DGP Javid Mujtaba Gilani, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi arrived in Anantnag to take direct charge of the manhunt operation. DGP Prabhat also briefed Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on the ground situation following the attack.
L-G Sinha's Condemnation
In a post on X, L-G Sinha stated that he had spoken directly with DGP Nalin Prabhat to review the situation. “I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. This heinous act will not go unpunished,” he said. The L-G offered his condolences to the slain officer’s family, adding: “My heartfelt condolences to the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi. The whole country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the family of martyr.” He further confirmed that J&K Police and security forces have launched operations to track down those responsible.
Police Advisory on Misinformation
Anantnag Police issued a strict advisory warning citizens and social media platforms against circulating unauthorised photographs, videos, and unverified content related to the attack at Lal Chowk in Anantnag. Authorities noted that doctored visuals and misleading information were already being shared online, with the potential to hinder the investigation and create public panic. The advisory warned that anyone continuing to circulate such material after the notice would face strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. Citizens were urged to rely exclusively on official updates from police and authorised government agencies.
What Happens Next
The cordon and search operation in Anantnag remains active, with all exit points sealed. Security agencies are expected to intensify intelligence operations across South Kashmir in the coming days. The killing marks a renewed challenge for law enforcement in a region that had seen a relative reduction in militant activity in recent months.
Point of View
Special DGP, and IGP Kashmir simultaneously to a single district signals how seriously the administration is treating this incident. What deserves scrutiny is the social media advisory: while preventing misinformation is legitimate, blanket warnings against sharing ‘unauthorised’ content can also suppress citizen journalism and accountability. The real test will be how quickly the manhunt yields results — past cordon operations in Anantnag have had mixed records on capturing assailants before they melt into the hinterland.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Anantnag terror attack?
Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion, Indian Reserve Police (IRP) was killed. He was on patrol duty in Anantnag town when bike-borne terrorists shot him; he belonged to Beerwah town in Budgam district.
What action has J&K Police taken after the Anantnag attack?
J&K Police launched a massive cordon and search operation in Anantnag, sealing all entry and exit points of the town. DGP Nalin Prabhat , Special DGP Javid Mujtaba Gilani , and IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi personally reached the site to supervise the manhunt for the assailants.
What did Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha say about the attack?
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack in a post on X, calling it a ‘cowardly’ and ‘heinous act’ and vowing it ‘will not go unpunished.’ He also offered condolences to the family of Head Constable Qureshi and confirmed that security forces are actively pursuing the perpetrators.
Why did Anantnag Police issue a social media advisory?
Anantnag Police issued the advisory because several users and platforms were found sharing unauthorised visuals, doctored photographs, and misleading information about the attack at Lal Chowk. Authorities warned that such content could hinder the investigation and cause public panic, and threatened strict legal action against violators.
Where exactly did the Anantnag terror attack take place?
The attack occurred at Lal Chowk in Anantnag town , in the South Kashmir region of Jammu and Kashmir . The victim was on patrol duty in the area when he was shot by bike-borne terrorists.
