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| Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi |
Some families serve the nation through generations, carrying forward a tradition of duty despite the hardships it brings. The story of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the Jammu and Kashmir Police is one such example. His life reflected commitment, courage, and responsibility, while his martyrdom marked the second time his family had suffered the loss of a loved one in the line of duty.
Ashiq Hussain Qureshi hailed from Lolipora village in the Beerwah area of Budgam district. His connection with the police force was deeply personal. More than three decades ago, his father, Head Constable Ghulam Mohiuddin Qureshi, was martyred while performing official duty after a landslide struck in Ramban district during the early 1990s. The tragedy left the family devastated, but it also inspired Ashiq to continue the path his father had chosen.
In recognition of his father's sacrifice, Ashiq joined the Jammu and Kashmir Police under the compassionate appointment policy. From the very beginning of his career, he carried the weight of his father's legacy with dignity and dedication. Those who worked alongside him remember him as a disciplined officer who approached every responsibility with sincerity and professionalism.
Throughout his years in uniform, Ashiq earned the respect of colleagues and residents alike. Away from his official duties, he was known as a humble and soft-spoken individual who valued honesty above everything else. Friends and neighbours describe him as someone who was always ready to extend a helping hand without expecting anything in return.
For his family, Ashiq was much more than a police officer. He was a devoted son who cared for his widowed mother, a loving husband, and a caring father to two sons and a daughter. He remained the backbone of his household, balancing the demands of service with his responsibilities at home. Despite the risks associated with policing in Jammu and Kashmir, he continued to perform his duties with unwavering commitment.
On 22 July 2026, tragedy struck once again. While performing his official duties near Lal Chowk in Anantnag district, terrorists opened fire on a police party. Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi sustained critical injuries during the attack. He was immediately shifted to Government Medical College, Anantnag, where doctors declared him dead. His martyrdom sent shockwaves across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in his native village of Lolipora.
What made the loss even more heartbreaking was the painful repetition of history. Nearly thirty years after the family had lost Ashiq's father in service, they were once again forced to bid farewell to another member who had dedicated his life to protecting others. Two generations of the same family had now made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.
As news of his martyrdom reached Lolipora, grief spread throughout the village. When his mortal remains arrived wrapped in the National Flag, thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects. Residents lined the roads in silence as the tricolour-draped coffin made its final journey through the village.
Senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration officials, colleagues, and members of the public joined the funeral procession to honour the fallen officer. His funeral prayers witnessed an overwhelming turnout, reflecting the deep respect he had earned during his lifetime.
Many villagers recalled Ashiq as a man whose character matched the honour of the uniform he wore. They remembered his humility, kindness, and willingness to support those in need. To them, his martyrdom was not merely the loss of a police officer but the loss of a trusted neighbour, a friend, and a compassionate human being.
Ashiq Hussain Qureshi is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, his widowed mother, a brother, and three married sisters. While no words can fill the void left by his passing, his life remains an enduring example of selfless service and devotion to duty.
His story is not only about sacrifice but also about legacy. A father who served with honour. A son who chose to follow the same path despite knowing its dangers. Together, they represent the spirit of countless families whose commitment to the nation extends across generations.
Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi's name will continue to be remembered with respect and gratitude. His courage, dedication, and sense of duty stand as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us that the strength of a nation is built upon the sacrifices of brave men and women who place service above self.
May Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi's sacrifice never be forgotten. Jai Hind.
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