7 including doctor killed in Ganderbal terror attack

21/10/2024

SRINAGAR, Oct 20: Seven people, including a local doctor, were killed and four others injured in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday evening, officials said.
The attack occurred at a camp near Gagangeer along the Srinagar-Leh highway, where both local and non-local workers were stationed while working on the construction of the strategic 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel project.
According to officials, militants suspected to be two in number opened indiscriminate fire on the workers, resulting in two non-local labourers dying on the spot.
Nine others, including a local doctor, sustained injuries in the attack. Five of the injured including the doctor later succumbed to their wounds, officials said.
Officials said that out of seven fatalities, at least five are non-local workers.
They have been identified as Dr Shahnawaz from Badgam, Gurmeet Singh of gurdaspur Punjab, Mohammad Haneef of Bihar, Anil Kumar Shukla of Madhya Pradesh, Faheem Nasir and Kaleem both from Bihar and Shashi Abrol of Jammu.
A massive search operation is underway to track down the militants responsible for the attack. Top J&K police and senior Army officers have reached the spot and are monitoring the operation to trace the attackers.
J&K Police has so far not confirmed the number of casualties in the attack.
"Terror incident in Gagangeer, Ganderbal. Area cordoned off by security forces," Kashmir Police Zone said in a post on X.
The attack has been widely condemned.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces
"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. At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Shah posted on X.
Lt. Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha while condemning the attack assured the people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished.
"We have given full freedom to J&K Police, Army and Security forces. Our brave personnel are on the ground & they will ensure terrorists pay a very heavy price for their action. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the families in this hour of grief," Sinha said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while condemning the attack called the incident a "dastardly and cowardly" attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg.
"Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region", Omar posted on X.
"These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. Two have been killed & 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people & send my condolences to their loved ones", J&K CM said.
The attack was also condemned by other mainstream parties.
This is the second targeted attack on non-locals in Kashmir in the last three days. On October 18, Ashok Chouhan,30, hailing from the Banka district of Bihar, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district . His bullet-ridden body was recovered from the Wachi area of Shopian.
Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti termed it a senseless act of violence.
"Unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against two labourers in Ganderbal. Deepest condolences to their families," she said.
Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the enemies of peace must be dealt with firmly.
"Strongly condemn the killing of two non-local innocent labourers in the Gagangier area in Ganderbal, Kashmir. This is the third killing in the last three days-an act against humanity. The enemies of peace must be dealt with firmly. My condolences to their families and prayers for the injured!," Azad said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Media Incharge Kashmir, Sajid Yousuf Shah said this heinous act of violence not only highlights the desperation of terrorists but also underscores their cowardice in targeting innocent civilians.
"Such actions reflect their frustration and will not deter the commitment of our security personnel or the resilient spirit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
"..This is an insane act of madness. My thoughts with families of these two families. May the perpetrators be brought to justice," MLA Sajad Lone said.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra while condemning the attack expressed grave concern over the attack by unidentified gunmen on non-local labourers. He said such incidents will vitiate the atmosphere urging the government to take immediate measures to contain such brutal attack on innocent labourers.
This is the second targeted attack on non-locals in Kashmir in the last three days. On October 18, Ashok Chouhan,30, hailing from the Banka district of Bihar, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district . His bullet-ridden body was recovered from the Wachi area of Shopian.

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