Homes of Alleged Militants Razed in Anantnag Following Policeman’s Fatal Shooting

In a significant development in Anantnag, south Kashmir, security forces carried out the demolition of houses belonging to two alleged militants on Thursday. This action came just a day after the tragic killing of a police head constable, Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, in a suspected militant attack while he was on duty related to the Amarnath Yatra. The demolished homes belonged to Haroon Rashid Ganai and Adil Ahmad Thokar, who are reportedly affiliated with the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

According to reports, the demolitions took place in the Hasanpora and Bijbehara regions of Anantnag, employing explosives that also caused damage to nearby structures, including a mosque and a vehicle. Local residents expressed concern over the collateral damage that ensued during the operations, which are part of a broader strategy by security forces to deter militant activities in the region.

The incident leading to these demolitions sparked widespread unrest, with over 2,500 individuals being detained across various districts in the Kashmir Valley. These figures include more than 700 from Srinagar, alongside significant numbers from Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal. Authorities are reportedly intensifying their security measures in the aftermath of the violence, with a particular focus on identifying and apprehending those involved in the terror attack.

Head constable Qureshi, who was associated with the Indian Reserve Police and the Special Operations Group, was fatally shot in Anantnag. CCTV footage from the scene captured the attack, showing a lone assailant approaching Qureshi at close range. In light of the sensitive nature of this footage, the Kashmir Police urged the public to refrain from sharing it, emphasizing that such actions could compromise ongoing investigations and public safety.

This violent incident underscores the continuing challenges faced by law enforcement in Kashmir, where tensions remain high and incidents of violence sporadically erupt. The government’s response, particularly the demolition of properties linked to suspected militants, reflects its tough stance on terrorism in the region. As the situation develops, citizens and officials alike are bracing for potential repercussions in what remains a volatile environment.

Source: scroll.in