Srinagar, July 22: In the first terror attack in the Valley since last year’s Pahalgam attack on tourists, a policeman, who was deployed on Amarnath yatra security duty, was killed in a terror attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday.
A police official said a terrorist fired from close range from behind towards a police head constable at Lal Chowk area in Anantnag district at around 12.30 pm.
The head constable identified as Aashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was posted on Amarnath duty, was critically injured in the attack.
He was rushed to the Government Medical College hospital at Anantnag, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the IRP 3rd Battalion, was posted on Amarnath Yatra security duty.
There is heavy deployment of security forces in Anantnag town for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra remains suspended for the last four days due to inclement weather in Jammu and Kashmir.
Immediately after the terror attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched an operation to track down the terrorists.
The search operation has been extended to the nearby areas.
A police official said policemen have collected CCTV footage from the attack site and are analysing the footage to zero-in on the attacker.
He said a massive manhunt has been launched to track down the attackers and raids are underway at different places.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Special Director General of Police (Coordination) S J M Gilani and IGP Kashmir V K Birdi visited the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag to personally assess the security situation following the terror attack.
Senior police officers accompanied the DGP during the visit as he reviewed the ground situation and received a detailed briefing from officers leading the ongoing anti-terror operation in the area.
The top police officials also inspected security arrangements and issued necessary directions to ensure the operation was carried out effectively.
The wreath laying ceremony of the deceased cop was held at the Police Control Room, where DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special Director General of Police S J M Gilani and IGP Kashmir V K Birdi paid floral tributes to the deceased.