J&K terror attack: Vital infra targeted, Shah pledges action; key updates

The private company workers were targeted by terrorists with random gunfire while they were at the Z-Morh tunnel construction site in the Gund area of Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel links Gagangeer to Sonamarg in central Kashmir.

During the evening of Sunday, October 20, a tragic terrorist assault took place at a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir. The casualties numbered six individuals, comprising a doctor and five migrant workers.

A number of people hurt in the assault have been transported to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Kangan. Those severely injured have been transferred to SKIMS for immediate medical attention.

The assailants initiated gunfire towards employees of a private firm at the Z-Morh tunnel under development in the Gund region, linking Gagangeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir. Security forces, including the police and Army, have sealed off the vicinity to apprehend the culprits. Reports from security agencies indicate that the militants carried out a random shooting spree targeting individuals in proximity to the construction site.

Claiming responsibility for the attack is The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Speculations arise from unverified sources indicating the presence of an INSAS rifle at the site, hinting at the potential escape or nearby concealment of the assailants. The joint search mission, spearheaded by Assam Rifles, CRPF, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), is currently in progress. The operation is under the vigilant supervision of high-ranking police officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Authorities have reportedly pinpointed two individuals believed to be involved in the recent attack: Hurera, who allegedly came back from Pakistan, and Khubaib. The suspects are thought to be navigating between Ganderbal and Harwan, prompting heightened vigilance from security forces during ongoing search missions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unequivocally denounced the killings, branding the incident as a cowardly act of terrorism. In a social media statement, he pledged that the perpetrators would not escape justice and would be met with harsh retribution by the nation’s security forces.

The strategic significance of the Z-Morh tunnel lies in its crucial role in defense planning. Currently under construction, this tunnel is poised to offer year-round connectivity to the residents of Ladakh and the Indian Army. The frequent heavy snowfall at Zojila typically isolates Ladakh from Kashmir, hindering the smooth flow of military personnel, civilians, and vital commodities.

Statement by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir denouncing the assault: Omar Abdullah additionally expressed his condemnation, emphasizing the importance of the victims’ involvement in a vital infrastructure initiative essential for the area’s progress.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has denounced the terrorist assault on a crucial infrastructure project, referring to it as a “horrific act of terror against innocent laborers.” Through a social media post, he expressed his profound grief over the tragic event and paid homage to the laborers who lost their lives in the attack.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra conveys profound sorrow: Offering her sympathies to the grieving families, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labeled the assault as a heinous act against humanity. She emphasized that the entire nation stands in solidarity against such acts of terrorism.

Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, expressed strong condemnation for the mindless violence directed towards two laborers in Ganderbal. She extended her heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident.

In an unexpected turn of events, Ganderbal district, previously known for its tranquility, has witnessed a rare occurrence of non-locals being singled out. This unsettling development took place in Gagangir, situated in the serene Sonamarg area of Ganderbal.

Inspector General of Police VK Birdi reported that the victims, who were attacked by terrorists, were promptly taken to the hospital but unfortunately could not survive their injuries. He mentioned that the attack occurred in a heavily wooded area, yet security forces quickly arrived at the scene and secured the area.

A rise in assaults against migrant workers has been observed. Just days before the Gangagir terror incident, the lifeless body of Ashok Chauchan, a 37-year-old laborer from Bihar, was discovered with bullet wounds in Shopian district on October 18. Chauchan fell victim to gunfire by suspected terrorists in the Sangam area of Anantnag. Furthermore, on April 17, a migrant laborer from Bihar was fatally attacked by terrorists in the Bijbehara vicinity of Anantnag. Additionally, on February 7, Amritpal Singh, a worker from Amritsar, met his demise at the hands of terrorists in the old city area of Srinagar. Tragically, another non-local laborer, Rohit Mashi, who sustained injuries during the incident, passed away from his wounds three days later.