In a shocking act of terror, six construction workers and a doctor were killed in a brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday night. The terrorists targeted a camp of laborers working on a tunnel construction project along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. The horrific incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting strong condemnation from political leaders and a massive manhunt to bring the culprits to justice.
The Attack: Unprovoked Violence at Worksite
The attack took place in the Gagangir area of Sonamarg, where workers from a private construction company were housed while building a tunnel in the region. Terrorists, reportedly two in number, opened indiscriminate fire on the workers’ camp, killing seven people on the spot. The victims included Dr. Shahnawaz, a doctor from Nayidgam in Budgam, and six workers hailing from various parts of India: Gurmeet Singh from Punjab, Mohammad Haneef, Faheem Nasir, and Kaleem from Bihar, Anil Kumar Shukla from Madhya Pradesh, and Shashi Abrol from Jammu.
The attackers also set fire to two vehicles belonging to the construction company before fleeing the scene, leaving behind an INSAS rifle, which the police are using as a key piece of evidence. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, and a joint search operation by the army and police is underway to track down the terrorists responsible for the massacre.
Security Forces on High Alert
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the site has been heavily secured, with authorities taking every precaution to ensure the safety of the region’s residents and workers. Media personnel were restricted from approaching the area as the search operation is ongoing. Journalists attempting to reach the site were stopped 50 kilometers away in Manigam, further highlighting the tense situation on the ground.
Condemnation from Leaders
Political leaders across the spectrum expressed outrage and sorrow at the loss of innocent lives. Newly-elected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “dastardly and cowardly act” targeting unarmed laborers who were contributing to a vital infrastructure project in the region. “These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people and send my condolences to their loved ones,” Abdullah stated.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed his grief, assuring citizens that the perpetrators would face swift justice. “Full freedom has been given to the police, army, and security forces to act against those behind this despicable act. They will not go unpunished,” Sinha said, reassuring the public of the government’s resolve.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, whose ministry is overseeing several major infrastructure projects in the region, also took to social media to express his anger.
A Pattern of Targeted Killings
This terror attack comes on the heels of another incident in Jammu and Kashmir last week, when the body of a laborer from Bihar was found in the Shopian district with gunshot wounds. The increasing number of such targeted killings, particularly against non-locals working on critical infrastructure projects, has raised concerns about the safety and security of laborers in the region.
The recent attack is seen as one of the deadliest since the newly-elected government took office. The elections, held for the first time since 2014, were significant following the abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The newly-formed government, led by Omar Abdullah’s National Conference in alliance with Congress, now faces the challenge of navigating the region’s ongoing security concerns.
Amit Shah: Perpetrators Will Face the “Harshest Response”
Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack in no uncertain terms. In a strongly-worded statement, Shah called the killing of innocent civilians “a despicable act of cowardice” and vowed that those responsible would face the full force of India’s security apparatus. “The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice. Those involved will face the harshest response from our security forces,” Shah declared.
The Home Minister also extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured. As India mourns the loss of seven innocent lives, Shah’s words reflect the government’s firm resolve to tackle terrorism in the region with an iron hand.
A Call for National Unity
Leaders across party lines have come together to condemn the violence, emphasizing the need for national unity in the face of terrorism. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi echoed this sentiment, stating, “Acts like killing innocent civilians and spreading violence and terror among the general public are crimes against humanity. The whole country is united against this.”
As security forces continue their search for the perpetrators, the nation stands in solidarity with the families of the victims, reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful and terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from agencies)
