A doctor and six labourers were killed in an attack at a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 20.
The attack occurred when the labourers and staff returned to their camp late in the evening. Officials said that at least two unidentified militants opened fire indiscriminately on the group, which included both local and non-local workers. Two labourers died on the spot, while four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries later. Five people are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Dr. Shahnawaz, Faheem Nazir, Kaleem, Muhammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla, and Gurmeet Singh.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to locate the attackers. Top security officials, including Kashmir Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi, have arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack, stating, “The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice. Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the casualties, noting that the number may rise. He stated, “The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final, as there are several injured laborers, both local and non-local. I pray for their recovery.” Abdullah condemned the attack, calling it a “dastardly and cowardly” act against innocent workers.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her condolences and condemned the “senseless act of violence.”
A press release attributed to the militant group Falcon Squad of The Resistance Front (LeT) claimed responsibility for the attack, warning locals and non-locals against working on “military-linked” construction projects.
The statement read, “The attack targeted a construction site where a BILLION-DOLLAR tunnel project, primarily for military transportation, is underway. We emphasize that this is our land under illegal occupation and we will bleed any neck that pouts out with bad eyes on our land or properties.”
“We have repeatedly warned both locals and non-locals, through verbal communication and official statements, against involvement in these illegal projects, consequences of disregarding our warnings are now evident. Projects of this nature serve to reinforce the illegal occupation, and we are monitoring several similar projects. We regret the collateral damage of local civilians, but as previously stated, we had cautioned against involvement in such projects, and the consequences are evident. We are watching- the blood will flow till we get rid of the occupation,” it read.
This attack follows a troubling pattern of violence, including the recent discovery of a bullet-riddled body of a labourer from Bihar in Shopian district.
