On Sunday night, a terrorist attack took place in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including a doctor. The doctor has been identified as Shahnawaz Ahmed, a resident of Naidgam in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
The attack targeted non-locals in the region, and in addition to the fatalities, five laborers sustained injuries. These workers have been transferred to Srinagar Medical College for further treatment. All the injured laborers were engaged in a tunnel construction project being implemented by the central government.
The terrorists opened fire on a camp housing labourers of a private company working on the construction of a tunnel in the Gund area of the district, said an official.
Search operation launched
In response to the attack, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, launching a search operation aimed at apprehending the perpetrators. Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Kashmir, VK Birdi, was present at the site to oversee the situation.
The location of the attack falls within the Ganderbal assembly constituency, represented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. CM Abdullah condemned the attack, expressing his deep sympathy for the victims' families. "I strongly condemn this attack and express my condolences to the bereaved families," he stated
“The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local & non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar,” Omar Abdullah further posted on X.
Shah, Gadkari condemn attacak
Home Minister Amit Shah also addressed the incident, vowing that those responsible for this heinous act would face justice. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari echoed these sentiments, noting that the attack targeted individuals contributing to the nation’s development.
In a post on X, the Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that the “innocent labourers” were engaged in a vital infrastructure project in Gagangir, Sonamarg.
“I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on innocent labourers in Gagangir, Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, who were engaged in a vital infrastructure project,” Gadkari said.
“I offer my humble tribute to the martyred labourers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery,” he added.
This attack follows a similar incident on October 16 in which a non-local youth was shot dead by terrorists in Shopian.