After Anantnag ‘Shoot‑and‑Scoot’ Attack, Forces Demolish LeT Militants’ Family Houses

SRINAGAR: Authorities on Thursday demolished the family houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, intensifying security measures in the wake of the killing of an India Reserve Police (IRP) head constable in a brazen militant attack a day ago, official sources said.

The action comes a day after IRP head constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was shot dead in a chilling “shoot-and-scoot” attack carried out by a lone gunman in the busy Lal Chowk -Acchabal Adda area of Anantnag town, 55-km south of capital Srinagar. The attack, which occurred in a crowded commercial zone, sent shockwaves across J&K and triggered a massive security response.

The Resistance Front (TRF), which security agencies describe as a proxy outfit of the proscribed LeT, later claimed responsibility for the killing through a post on social media.

According to sources, the newly constructed family house of Adil Ahmed Thokar, a LeT commander and resident of Guri village in Anantnag, was completely razed during an operation conducted on Thursday morning. Security agencies suspect Thoker to be actively involved in militant activities and part of the network operating in the district.

In a separate operation conducted during the intervening night, security forces demolished the single-storey family residence of Haroon Rashid Ganai, son of Abdur Rashid Ganai, at Hassanpora Tawella in Bijbehara (Anantnag). Officials identified Haroon as an active militant associated with the LeT since 2018.

The demolition drives were carried out jointly by the J&K Police, the Army’s 1 Rashtriya Rifles and the 90th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), witnesses and sources said. The coordinated operations formed part of a broader counter-terrorism campaign launched in the aftermath of the Anantnag attack.

Security agencies have simultaneously intensified efforts what the sources claimed to dismantle militant support networks across the Valley. Police sources said that, with the assistance of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) more than 2,000 former militants and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been detained for questioning and verification during extensive search and crackdown operations. The exercise is aimed at preventing further militant strikes, gathering intelligence, and identifying those involved in facilitating Wednesday’s attack on the IRP personnel.

Officials said security forces remain on high alert across Kashmir as investigations continue and efforts are underway to trace the wider network linked to the assailant responsible for the killing of Qureshi.

A security high alert has been issued across the Kashmir Valley following the killing of the police head constable. Forces have intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints, and launched wide-ranging search operations to prevent any further incidents. The CRPF, confirming the heightened alert in a post on ‘X’, said security arrangements across Kashmir have been tightened in the aftermath of the terrorist attack. “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 CRPF stated.

Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting later Thursday at Lok Bhavan here to review the security situation and assess preparations for the Amarnath Yatra which is likely to resume later this week after remaining suspended due to hostile weather since July 19. The meeting was attended by the heads of all major intelligence and security agencies. Officials briefed the Lt. Governor on the current security landscape as well as the status of the Yatra.

Sinha directed officials to remain highly vigilant, step-up intelligence-led anti-terror operations and proactively neutralize emerging security threats. An official spokesperson here said that the Lt. Governor also comprehensively reviewed logistics and safety arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra in light of the recent inclement weather and heavy rainfall across the region. He instructed all departments to maintain seamless coordination and ensure the safety, well-being and convenience of all pilgrims, the spokesperson said, adding that Sinha further directed for comprehensive department-wise review of all amenities including rigorous audits of fire and emergency services, power grids, and water supply infrastructure.

More than 3,91,000 pilgrims have performed darshan at the holy cave in the first 20 days and, as per the Lt. Governor who also serves as the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the resumption of the yatra is strictly contingent upon weather conditions.

In view of recent heavy rains, the Lt. Governor directed for strengthening flood protection measures and immediate clearance of debris from all nallahs along the pilgrimage tracks.