Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday made a personal visit to the residence of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Budgam district, offering solace and assurances of unwavering administrative support to the bereaved family following the policeman’s tragic death in a terrorist attack in Anantnag earlier this week. The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to standing by the families of security personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Inspector General of Police VK Birdi, and Budgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Amir Khan, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reached Qureshi’s home in Lalpora, Beerwah. During his time with the family, he paid solemn tributes to the fallen officer and conveyed his deepest condolences. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the nation’s profound pride in Head Constable Qureshi’s bravery, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to his duties, stating that his service and supreme sacrifice would be permanently enshrined in the collective memory of the country. The Lieutenant Governor further articulated that the martyr’s exemplary ideals of devotion to duty and love for the motherland would serve as a perpetual inspiration for future generations in their efforts to foster a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha assured the family that the administration was firmly behind them and would diligently work to ensure their continued well-being and dignity. As a concrete measure of support, he promised comprehensive assistance, particularly focusing on the educational pursuits of Qureshi’s son, with the aim of facilitating his eligibility for a government job on compassionate grounds upon completion of his studies. This commitment reflects a broader administrative policy to provide sustained support to the families of security personnel lost to terrorism.
The official spokesperson highlighted that Lieutenant Governor Sinha also took the opportunity to commend the significant progress achieved in dismantling the terror ecosystem within Jammu and Kashmir, a development attributed to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reaffirmed the administration’s resolute determination to eradicate terrorism from the region, signaling an intensified focus on security operations and counter-terrorism strategies. The attack on Head Constable Qureshi, who was serving on Amarnath Yatra security duty, occurred on Wednesday when he was fatally shot by a terrorist in Lal Chowk, Anantnag district. This incident has prompted a widespread and intensive anti-terror operation across Kashmir, leading to the detention of hundreds of suspected overground workers for questioning as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible.
This attack marks the first militant strike in the Kashmir Valley this year, occurring several months after the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local resident. In response to the latest incident, security agencies have significantly escalated their operations, particularly across south Kashmir, with the primary objective of tracing and apprehending all individuals involved in the planning and execution of the attack. The intensified operations aim to disrupt terror networks and prevent future acts of violence, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
In a parallel development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also engaged with the family of the slain Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi on Friday. According to reports, Shah spoke directly with the policeman’s son during a visit by BJP leader Sunil Sharma to the family’s residence in Budgam. The Union Home Minister conveyed his solidarity and assured the grieving family that the government stands firmly with them during this profoundly difficult period, echoing the sentiments of support expressed by Lieutenant Governor Sinha. The coordinated outreach from top government officials underscores the gravity with which the administration views the incident and its commitment to supporting the affected families and maintaining security in the region.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.