Security forces on Thursday demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, a day after a police head constable was shot dead while on Amarnath Yatra security duty. The action was taken as part of the investigation into the attack, with security agencies simultaneously expanding anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley.

According to officials, the demolished properties belonged to Adil Thoker, a resident of Guri village in Bijbehara, and Haroon Ganai, a resident of Hasanpora. Authorities alleged that both men were involved in the attack that claimed the life of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi earlier this week.

Officials said explosive devices were used to demolish the two houses after evidence collection and as part of the ongoing investigation. Security agencies are examining the broader network that allegedly assisted the suspects.

Head Constable Qureshi, who was attached to the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) and the Special Operations Group (SOG), was deployed for security arrangements related to the annual Amarnath Yatra. The attack took place at around 12:30 pm on Tuesday near Lal Chowk in Anantnag, even though the pilgrimage had been temporarily suspended because of adverse weather conditions.

Police said unidentified terrorists opened fire on the officer from close range. Security personnel present in the area retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before the attackers managed to escape. Qureshi suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead.

The slain officer was a resident of Budgam district and is survived by his wife and three children.

Officials alleged that Adil Thoker is linked to the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Security agencies identified Haroon Ganai as being associated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), although another official statement described both suspects as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Investigators are continuing to verify the operational links of the two accused.

According to security officials, Thoker allegedly travelled to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border in 2018, where he is suspected to have undergone terrorist training before infiltrating back into Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Authorities also said that The Resistance Front (TRF), which security agencies describe as a proxy outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killing of the police officer.

Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the Army and other security forces, launched an extensive search operation across the Valley. Officials said more than 2,000 suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been detained for questioning as part of a wider crackdown aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks.

Security agencies are focusing on identifying individuals suspected of providing militants with shelter, transportation, financial support and communication assistance. Search operations and surveillance have been intensified in Anantnag and several other districts.

The latest attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir following a series of recent terrorist incidents. On July 18, security forces foiled a suspected infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Rajouri after an exchange of fire with suspected infiltrators. Earlier, on July 8, security forces eliminated Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zakir Ahmed Gani during an encounter in Shopian. He was among the most wanted terrorists identified after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Authorities have reiterated that anti-terror operations will continue across the Union Territory, with investigations underway to identify those involved in recent attacks and dismantle the infrastructure supporting militant activities.