A doctor and six laborers were killed when terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday, officials said.
The unidentified terrorists launched the attack when the laborers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.
They added that the terrorists—believed to be at least two—opened indiscriminate fire on the group of laborers, which included both locals and non-locals.
While two laborers died on the spot, four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries later, the officials said, adding that five people are currently undergoing treatment for injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Dr. Shahnawaz, Faheem Nazir, Kaleem, Mohammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla, and Gurmeet Singh.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers, the officials said.
Top security officials, including Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V. K. Birdi, have arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
Condemning the terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said those involved in the heinous act would not be spared.
“The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice. Those responsible for this heinous act will face the harshest response from our security forces,” Shah posted on X.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the casualty figures could rise.
“The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final, as there are several injured laborers, both local and non-local. Praying for the full recovery of the injured, as the more seriously wounded are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
Abdullah condemned the attack, which occurred just four days after his swearing-in as Chief Minister of the Union Territory.
“Very sad news of a dastardly and cowardly attack on non-local laborers in the Gagangir-Sonamarg region. These workers were engaged in a crucial infrastructure project. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed, innocent people and send my condolences to their families,” he said in another post.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also strongly condemned the heinous attack. “I assure the people that those responsible for this despicable act will not go unpunished. We have given full freedom to the J&K Police, Army, and security forces,” Sinha posted on X.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack.
“I unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against laborers in Ganderbal. My deepest condolences to their families,” she said in a post on X before officials updated the death toll.
In a post on X, People’s Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone said: “I strongly condemn the dastardly act of terror in which two people lost their lives in Sonamarg. This is an insane act of madness. My thoughts are with the victims’ families. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed concern over the attack, saying such incidents would vitiate the atmosphere in the Union Territory. He urged the government to take immediate measures to prevent such brutal attacks on innocent laborers.
On Friday, officials reported finding the bullet-riddled body of a laborer from Bihar in Shopian district.
