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At least seven people were killed in an attack by militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday. The attack took place near a tunnel under construction.
According to news agency PTI, officials said six labourers and one doctor were among the dead.
The workers, who were working on a tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal and Sonamarg area, were returning to their camp in the evening when the militants attacked them, officials said.
While two workers died on the spot, the doctor and four other workers died while undergoing treatment at the hospital, officials said.
Five others who were injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Dr Shahnawaz, Faheem Nazir, Kaleem, Mohammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla and Gurmeet Singh, PTI reported.
Elections were held recently in Jammu and Kashmir. This was the first major attack since the formation of the new government there.
On October 18, the body of one Ashok Chauhan was found in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Bullet wounds were found on his body.
Ashok Chauhan hails from Bihar. He works as a labourer in Jammu and Kashmir.
What did Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah say?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack and said the perpetrators of the attack will not be spared.
“This attack on civilians by militants is a despicable act. The perpetrators of this heinous attack will not be spared. We will have to face a strong response from our security forces. My condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Amit Shah said on social media platform ‘X’.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack. It was described as an act of cowardice.
“Deeply saddened by this attack on non-local workers in Sonamarg Gagangir area. They are working on a crucial infrastructure project in the region. I strongly condemn the attack on innocent people who have no weapons. My condolences to their families,” Abdullah said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said security forces should take strict action against those involved in the attack.
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary expressed grief over the incident and spoke about improving the situation.
‘Congress-National Conference government should answer’
Bjp’s Jammu and Kashmir president Ravindra Alleged that there was a Pakistani conspiracy behind the attack.
“Pakistani militants attacked innocent labourers in Sonamarg in Kashmir. This is an attack on humanity. Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for this attack targeting unarmed and innocent workers. The entire area is being searched by the army and police. The perpetrators of the attack will soon be punished,” he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted to the incident on ‘X’.
“The killing of a doctor and migrant labourers by militants in Ganderbal area of Jammu and Kashmir is an act of cowardice and an unpardonable crime. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish those injured a speedy recovery. The action of these militants will not undermine the process of construction of Jammu and Kashmir and the confidence of the people. The entire country will come together to fight against terrorism,” Gandhi said.