Terror Attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal: Six Construction Workers and a Doctor Killed.
In a tragic incident that has once again shaken the peace in Jammu and Kashmir, a terror attack on Sunday night (October 20, 2024) claimed the lives of six migrant workers and a local doctor in the Ganderbal district. The attack took place near the Z-Morh tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road, an area that has largely remained peaceful for the past decade.
According to reports, the terrorists, allegedly linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire on a group of laborers working at the site. The attackers stormed the campsite where the workers had gathered after their day’s work, leading to chaos and devastation.
Among the victims was Dr. Shahnawaz, a resident of Budgam in central Kashmir, who had been working with the construction crew. The other victims, all migrant laborers, were identified as Gurmeet Singh (30) from Punjab, Inder Yadav (35) from Bihar, Mohan Lal (30) and Jagtar Singh (30) from Jammu’s Kathua district, and Fayaz Ahmad Lone (26) and Zahoor Ahmad Lone, both locals from Kashmir.
The incident has sparked outrage across the nation, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemning the heinous act. In a public statement, Shah referred to the attack as a "despicable act of cowardice" and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. "Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces," Shah said. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those injured.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his sorrow and anger over the attack. "This attack is a grim reminder of the threats still faced by civilians in the region. The terrorists behind this barbaric act will be brought to justice, and the security of migrant workers will be given utmost priority," Abdullah said.
The terror group TRF, which claimed responsibility for the attack, has been active in the Valley since 2019 and has carried out similar operations in the past, targeting migrant workers and local civilians. Security forces are currently on high alert, with a search operation launched to track down the terrorists involved in the attack. Additional troops have been deployed in the region to ensure the safety of the remaining workers and residents.
This incident is particularly shocking as the Ganderbal region had seen relatively low levels of terror activity in recent years. The construction of the Z-Morh tunnel, a vital infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity to the region, has attracted many migrant laborers to the area, making it a possible target for terrorist outfits.
Political leaders across party lines have condemned the attack. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed it as a "cowardly attack on innocent civilians" and expressed his solidarity with the victims' families. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also issued a statement, assuring that every effort will be made to maintain peace and stability in the region.
As investigations into the attack continue, the tragedy has left a lasting scar on the families of the victims and has reignited concerns about the safety of civilians in conflict-prone areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
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