Srinagar: Authorities on Thursday demolished the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a day after terrorists shot dead a police head constable in Anantnag town. The action is part of the ongoing security crackdown on terrorist networks and their support infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley.

The demolition followed the killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the 3rd Battalion of the Armed Police, who was attacked while on patrol duty at Lal Chowk in Anantnag on Wednesday.

Houses of two LeT terrorists razed during overnight operation

According to official sources, the houses of Aadil Hussain Thokar, a resident of Guree in Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai of Hassanpora, were demolished during an overnight operation.

Officials said Aadil Thokar’s earlier house had already been demolished following the Pahalgam Baisaran terror attack. The newly constructed structure at the same location was also razed. Haroon Ganai’s house was similarly demolished as part of the anti-terror operation.

Security agencies said the action forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle the infrastructure used by terrorist organisations operating in the region.

Massive manhunt underway after policeman’s killing

Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, a resident of Beerwah in Budgam district, was on routine patrolling duty when terrorists opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Following the attack, security forces launched a massive search operation across south Kashmir. A red alert has been issued, and police have detained more than 3,000 overground workers (OGWs) linked to various terrorist outfits for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Security has also been intensified across the Valley to prevent further attacks.

TRF claims responsibility; leaders condemn attack

The Resistance Front (TRF), considered an offshoot of the Pakistan-based UN-designated terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the killing of the police officer.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said the sacrifice of the martyred policeman would not go in vain and assured that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the District Police Lines in Anantnag, while hundreds of people attended the funeral of the slain officer in his native village in Budgam district. Security agencies have said operations to track down the attackers will continue until all those involved are brought to justice.