Policeman killed in terror attack in Kashmir; several youth detained

A policeman on Amarnath Yatra duty was killed after terrorists opened fire from a close range in south Kashmir’s Anantnag on Wednesday.

Locals said that after the attack, security personnel launched a major crackdown on suspects across Kashmir and detained several youth.

The policeman, identified as head constable Ashiq Hussain of the 3rd Battalion, India Reserve Police (IRP), was manning a busy street on the Anantnag-Kokernag road near Lal Chowk area around 12.30 p.m. when terrorists opened indiscriminate fire reportedly from an assault rifle at him and his colleague, officials said.

Officials said Hussian, who took multiple bullets in the attack, was declared dead at the Anantnag hospital. Another policeman escaped unhurt in the attack. Hussain was a resident of Budgam’s Beerwah.

The police have not identified any terrorist or group responsible for the attack.

A purported footage of the attack caught on a CCTV camera showed multiple bullets being fired at the policeman in front of a shop in the busy market. The police cautioned against “sharing, publishing, forwarding, or circulating such content on any platform”. “Dissemination of such material may hamper ongoing investigation, compromise public security, and attract legal action,” said the police.

Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and a search operation was launched to trace the attackers. According to locals, scores of youths were detained in the crackdown in Kashmir, especially in Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam districts.

Security has been beefed up on the Amarnath Yatra route. The yatra currently remains suspended owing to inclement weather.

The Anantnag attack has come after a long lull in Kashmir, in spite of the stringent security measures put in place for the annual Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir.

J&K Director-General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat visited the attack spot and took stock of the situation. J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, while condemning the attack, said, “Those responsible will be brought to justice. This heinous act will not go unpunished.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the policeman “made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack. I unequivocally condemn this attack and send my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family.”