Joint parties of J&K Police, Central Reserve Police Force and security agencies across Jammu and Kashmir have been placed on alert following the targeted killing of a policeman in a busy market in Anantnag on Wednesday triggering one of the most extensive crackdowns in recent months.
Intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints and widespread search operations are underway even as the houses of two active terrorists were demolished overnight and nearly 2,800 suspected over-ground workers detained for questioning.
Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police was shot dead at close range on Wednesday when terrorists opened fire on a police party who had gone for a search operation in Anantnag’s Lal Chowk market area. Reports of additional security measures were received from almost all parts of Jammu division.
Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have significantly stepped up joint frisking operations, vehicle checks and surveillance following the killing.
J&K Police, CRPF and other security agencies are conducting coordinated frisking at scores of locations across the Valley. Movement of people and vehicles is being closely monitored, with additional checkpoints established on major roads, highways and entry points to towns and cities.
Joint parties are seen checking car boots, two-wheelers and pedestrians at roadside posts, particularly in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam and other sensitive districts. The intensified measures come amid continuous rainfall, yet operations have remained uninterrupted.
A CRPF Srinagar Sector spokesperson said security across Kashmir has been placed on high alert. “Security forces have intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints and launched search operations to maintain law and order. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces,” the force stated.
Srinagar Police confirmed that coordinated raids and frisking drives form part of ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt terror-support networks. Officials said the joint operations aim to prevent any further attempts to disturb peace while ensuring public safety.
A high-level security review chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is examining the emerging threat scenario and the status of the Amarnath Yatra, which remains suspended due to weather conditions.
Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate fully with security personnel during checks and report any suspicious activity. The enhanced frisking, extra checkpoints and continuous surveillance are expected to remain in force in the coming days as investigations into the Anantnag attack continue.
Senior police officials described the drive as a sustained effort to “identify, disrupt and neutralise terror-support structures while ensuring the safety and security of the public.”
The CRPF’s Srinagar Sector said security forces had ramped up ground operations across Kashmir. “Security across Kashmir has been placed on high alert following the terrorist attack in Anantnag. Security forces have intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints and launched search operations to maintain law and order. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces,” CRPF said in a post on X, sharing photographs of troopers conducting vehicle checks and frisking at multiple points amid rainfall.
A high-level security to review meeting was also chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha with top security officials at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar. The huddle is examining emerging threats and the status of the Amarnath Yatra, which remains suspended due to heavy rains and flood threat along the pilgrimage routes.
Qureshi is survived by his mother, wife and three children. He had joined the police force in place of his father, a constable who died in an accident on the Srinagar-Jammu highway nearly three decades ago.
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