Anantnag, July 22: A police constable was killed after a firing incident in the Lal Chowk area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a massive security response in the town. Initial reports indicate that unidentified assailants opened fire on a police party around 12:30 pm, leaving one policeman critically injured. 

The injured constable was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. He has been identified as Ashiq Hussain. Officials said the exact circumstances surrounding the firing are still being investigated, and it has not yet been officially confirmed whether the attack was carried out by militants. 

Soon after the incident, security forces cordoned off the entire Lal Chowk area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible. Additional reinforcements were rushed to the spot, while forensic and investigative teams began collecting evidence from the scene. 

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. More details are awaited as the probe progresses.