Security forces have detained more than 1,000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and other persons for questioning across the Kashmir Valley following the killing of a Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable in an attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said on Wednesday.
The large-scale crackdown began soon after Head Constable Ashiq Hussain was shot dead while on Amarnath Yatra security duty near Lal Chowk in Anantnag at around 12:30 pm.
According to officials, teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) carried out coordinated raids across multiple districts to trace the attackers and dismantle their support network.
Searches were conducted at several locations, with security personnel questioning suspected OGWs, former militants and individuals already under surveillance. Officials said search operations are continuing.
Massive Search Operation Underway
Following the attack, security forces launched a “massive manhunt and cordoned off parts of Anantnag town to track down the terrorists involved.”
Officials said intensive area domination, frisking and vehicle checking have also been intensified across several districts, including Handwara, where special checkpoints have been established at key locations.
Authorities said hundreds of suspected OGWs have been detained as part of the ongoing operation, while identity verification, mobile phone checks and questioning of suspects are being carried out at various transit points.
The heightened security measures are aimed at preventing further attacks and identifying those who may have provided logistical support to the terrorists.
Police have urged the public to cooperate with security personnel during the ongoing checking and verification drives.
Senior Officers Review Security Situation
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) V.K. Birdi visited the attack site in Anantnag and reviewed the security arrangements.
Officials said the valley-wide operation follows the standard counter-terror strategy adopted after major militant attacks, with security agencies focusing on dismantling the terror ecosystem and identifying local support networks.
LG Manoj Sinha Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Attack
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the killing of the police officer and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
“I reviewed the security situation with DGP Nalin Prabhat. The cowardly and heinous terror attack will not go unpunished. J&K Police and other security forces are on the ground and will bring the perpetrators to justice,” Sinha said.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, he added that the entire country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the family of the slain policeman.
Omar Abdullah Pays Tribute to Slain Policeman
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and paid tribute to Head Constable Ashiq Hussain.
“Deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of IRP 3rd Battalion J&K Police. He 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,” Omar Abdullah said in a post on X.
