Terrorism – Security Forces Intensify Operations After Policeman Killed in Anantnag Attack
Terrorism –A day after a police head constable lost his life in a terrorist attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, security agencies stepped up counter-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley. Authorities carried out extensive searches, detained more than 2,500 individuals for questioning, and intensified efforts to identify and disrupt networks suspected of supporting militant activities. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also instructed security officials to strengthen anti-terror measures throughout the Union Territory.
Houses of Two Suspected Militants Demolished
As part of the security response, officials demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, Adil Thokar and Haroon Rashid Ganaie, in Anantnag district. According to authorities, the structures were brought down using controlled explosive devices after ensuring that all family members had been safely evacuated from the premises. Officials said the action formed part of ongoing operations targeting individuals accused of involvement in terrorist activities.
Property Linked to Earlier Action
One of the demolished buildings belonged to the Thokar family in Guri village. The property had previously been demolished following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, when authorities took similar action against several houses linked to suspected militants. The latest demolition marked the second time that the same property had been brought down during security operations.
Policeman Killed During Amarnath Yatra Duty
The intensified crackdown follows the killing of police head constable Ashiq Ahmad Qureshi, who was deployed for security arrangements related to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. He was shot by a terrorist in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag on Wednesday. The incident prompted security agencies to expand search operations and increase surveillance in several parts of the Valley in an effort to prevent further attacks.
Omar Abdullah Questions Demolition Policy
Reacting to the developments, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that while the security forces’ anger over the attack was understandable, all actions must remain within the framework of the law. He referred to earlier incidents in which residential properties were demolished after terror attacks and pointed out that the Supreme Court has issued directions discouraging summary action without due legal process.
Calls for Lawful and Balanced Response
Abdullah recalled that after the Pahalgam attack, he had raised concerns with the Central government regarding similar demolition drives. He said later investigations indicated that the attackers in that case had come from outside the region and that no local residents were found to be directly involved. According to the Chief Minister, large-scale demolitions or mass detentions alone are unlikely to improve the security situation and could instead create additional challenges. He stressed the need for responses that are both effective and consistent with legal safeguards while continuing efforts to combat terrorism.