Tragedy on Anantnag‑Kokernag Road: Policeman Killed in Terror Attack

On the afternoon of 22 July 2026, a sudden burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of the Anantnag‑Kokernag road near Lal Chowk. Two men, armed with an assault rifle, opened fire on a pair of police officers who were on routine patrol.

One of the officers, Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the 3rd Battalion, India Reserve Police, took multiple bullets and later succumbed to his injuries at the Anantnag hospital. The other officer managed to escape, shaken but unharmed. CCTV footage captured the harrowing moments, though police have asked the public not to circulate the video.

Ashiq, a resident of Beerwah in Budgam district, was described by colleagues as a dedicated serviceman. His loss has sent ripples of grief through the force and the community.

In the wake of the attack, the Jammu & Kashmir police launched a sweeping “preventive” operation. Official figures put the number of detainees at about 1,200 across the valley, with the heaviest sweeps reported in Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam, and roughly 700 arrests in Srinagar alone. Some local sources, however, claim the total could be as high as 2,500.

High‑ranking officials quickly voiced their condemnation. DGP Nalin Prabhat visited the crime scene, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha pledged a thorough investigation and justice for the slain constable. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences, calling the act “cowardly terror” and urging calm.

The incident comes as security remains tight around the Amarnath Yatra route, which is currently suspended due to bad weather. Authorities have yet to identify the group or individuals behind the shooting, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the motive.

For now, the focus remains on supporting Ashiq Hussain’s family and ensuring that the law‑enforcement community feels protected as they continue to keep the region safe.