Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir intensified anti-terror operations after a police head constable was killed in a terror attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, with security forces demolishing the houses of two terrorists and detaining more than 2,500 suspects during a Valley-wide crackdown. The action came a day after the killing of Ashiq Ahmad Qureshi, a police personnel deployed for Amarnath Yatra duty, who was shot dead by a terrorist in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag.

The houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, identified as Adil Thokar and Haroon Rashid Ganaie, were demolished by authorities in Anantnag using controlled explosive devices. Officials said family members living in the houses were evacuated before the structures were brought down. The demolitions were carried out as part of intensified measures against individuals linked to terrorism and its support networks in the region.

The house belonging to the Thokar family in Guri village had previously been demolished following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, during which several properties linked by authorities to terror suspects were targeted. The latest demolition came amid renewed security operations after the killing of the police officer, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directing security officials to strengthen counter-terror measures across the Union Territory.

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As part of the crackdown, security agencies detained over 2,500 individuals suspected of being over-ground workers (OGWs) or having links with militant networks. Over-ground workers are individuals accused by security agencies of providing logistical support, intelligence or assistance to armed groups. Officials said the operations were aimed at disrupting terror infrastructure and preventing further attacks in the region.

The move has drawn criticism from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who questioned the effectiveness of demolishing houses and conducting large-scale arrests. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said that while the police's anger following the killing of a colleague was understandable, authorities must follow due process and respect directions issued by the Supreme Court against summary punitive action.

"We witnessed a similar situation after the Pahalgam attack when some people's houses were bulldozed. At that time, I had to speak to the Central government to stop the trend," Abdullah said. He added that investigations into the earlier attack had found that none of the local residents were involved and that the attackers had come from outside the region. According to him, actions such as demolishing homes or making mass arrests could worsen the situation instead of improving security.

The latest developments have renewed debate over counter-terror strategies in Jammu and Kashmir, with security agencies maintaining that strict action is necessary to dismantle militant networks, while political leaders and rights advocates have called for greater adherence to legal procedures. Authorities have said operations will continue as part of efforts to maintain security and prevent further attacks, particularly during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra period, when thousands of pilgrims are visiting the region.

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