Suspected Terrorists Shoot J&K Constable Dead: Why Anantnag Is Key Amid Amarnath Yatra Explained

Published 22 July 2026 · india

Suspected Terrorists Shoot J&K Constable Dead: Why Anantnag Is Key Amid Amarnath Yatra Explained Written By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 13:54 IST Terror attacks

Suspected Terrorists Shoot J&K Constable Dead: Why Anantnag Is Key Amid Amarnath Yatra Explained Written By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 13:54 IST Terror attacks to Amarnath Yatra, why Anantnag is a crucial point in Jammu and Kashmir, News18 explains Rapid Read Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the assailants. (PTI) Suspected terrorists on Wednesday opened fire on a security deployment team in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the death of a Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) head constable. The attack took place around 12:30 PM in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag town. Why Anantnag matters amid Amarnath Yatra, News18 explains. THE ATTACK IN ANANTNAG The slain policeman was identified as Head Constable Ashiq Hussain, a resident of the Beerwah area in Budgam district. The policeman was on duty when vehicle-borne terrorists opened fire on the patrolling party. Following the shooting, security forces swiftly cordoned off the entire area and launched a massive search and cordon operation to track down the fleeing assailants. The injured head constable was immediately rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries. #BreakingNews | A head constable of J&K Police lost his life after suspected terrorists opened fire on a police party deployed at Lal Chowk in Anantnag today.The deceased, identified as Aashiq Hussain, a resident of Beerwah in Budgam district, was rushed to GMC Hospital in… pic.twitter.com/WPdFRaxIAo — News18 (@CNNnews18) July 22, 2026 MAJOR ATTACKS IN ANANTNAG Pahalgam Tourist Attack (April 2025): Terrorists targeted a group of tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 civilians.

Anantnag Encounter (September 2023): A multi-day fierce gunbattle in the Kokernag forests of Anantnag led to the martyrdom of two senior Indian Army officers (a Colonel and a Major) and a Jammu and Kashmir Police DSP. KP Road CRPF Convoy Strike (June 2019): Motorcycle-borne militants fired automatic weapons and lobbed grenades at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrol on the busy Khanbal-Pahalgam (KP) Road. The ambush killed five CRPF personnel and critically injured Anantnag SHO Arshad Khan, who later succumbed to his injuries. Amarnath Yatra Bus Massacre (July 2017): Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists intercepted a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims in Anantnag, killing eight pilgrims and injuring over 18 others. Achabal Police Ambush (June 2017): Militants ambushed a police vehicle in the Achabal area, brutally killing six Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, including Station House Officer (SHO) Feroz Ahmad Dar. Bus Stand Firing (September 2017): Terrorists attacked a patrolling police party near the Anantnag General Bus Stand, killing one police constable and injuring another. CURRENT STATUS OF AMARNATH YATRA The Amarnath Yatra is currently temporarily suspended due to severe weather and relentless rainfall. The Jammu and Kashmir administration put a halt to the pilgrimage from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The suspension is a precautionary measure to safeguard devotees following warnings of landslides and flash floods. The annual 57-day pilgrimage officially scheduled to run from July 3 until August 28, 2026, will resume as soon as authorities declare the tracks structurally safe. #WATCH | Anantnag, J&K: On the arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra 2026, Amod Ashok Nagpure (SSP, Anantnag) says, “The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 is set to commence on July 3, 2026, and is being organized with great enthusiasm, as is customary.