Terror strikes again in Jammu and Kashmir: Policeman shot dead amid Amarnath Yatra security duty

The attack took place around 12:30 pm at Lal Chowk in Anantnag, where a police patrol had been deployed to provide security for Amarnath pilgrims, according to NDTV.

An official told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the injured policeman was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The deceased was identified as Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the IRP 3rd Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Police, KNO reported.

Omar Abdullah condemns attack

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the killing and strongly condemned the attack.

"Deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of IRP 3rd Battalion J&K Police," Abdullah posted on X.

He added: "HC Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack in the 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."

According to NDTV, The Resistance Front (TRF), an outfit that Indian authorities describe as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post.

The incident is being reported as the first major terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, were killed in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley in recent years.

Following that attack, TRF claimed responsibility twice within 24 hours. Indian security agencies later said they had established operational and logistical links between the attackers and Pakistan-based handlers.