Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Valley-wide anti-terror crackdown launched in the aftermath of the martyrdom of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in the Anantnag terror attack has intensified sharply, with the number of detained suspected Over Ground Workers and terror associates crossing 3,500 across Kashmir amid a continuing state of high alert. Security agencies have described the operation as one of the largest coordinated crackdowns in recent memory, aimed squarely at dismantling the support networks that sustain militancy in the region.
Officials within the security establishment said intelligence-based operations, searches and verification drives are underway across every district, targeting individuals allegedly providing logistical, financial, communication, transportation or shelter support to terrorist outfits. Fresh detentions made during overnight and day-long raids have steadily pushed the total figure upward, with verification and questioning still ongoing and further raids expected in the coming days.
The crackdown follows the July 22 terrorist attack near Lal Chowk in Anantnag, in which Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, deployed for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra security duty, was shot and martyred. In its immediate aftermath, authorities on Thursday morning demolished the houses of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists linked to the attack, identified as Aadil Thokar of Guree, Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai of Hassanpora, as part of the broader push against terror infrastructure in south Kashmir.
Security across the Valley has been placed on high alert, with intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints and expanded search operations underway to prevent any further incidents. Additional deployments have been made at vulnerable locations, and frisking, vehicle checking and area domination exercises have been stepped up considerably in several districts, officials said, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack as a cowardly act of terror, asserting that those responsible would not go unpunished, and conveyed condolences to the martyr’s family. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah similarly condemned the incident, expressing grief over the sacrifice and extending condolences to the bereaved family. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police Kashmir V.K. Birdi rushed to the attack site soon after the incident to review the security situation and supervise anti-terror operations on the ground.
Officials reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, working in coordination with the Army, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies, remain committed to dismantling terror networks and ensuring that those aiding or facilitating terrorism are identified and brought to justice, with intelligence-led operations expected to continue over the coming days as part of the intensified counter-terror strategy.
