Major operations launched against killers
*HM, LG, CM condemn attack
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Oct 20 : A doctor and six construction workers were killed when militants opened fire at a tunnel construction site at Gagangir area in Ganderbal district near the famous tourist resort of Sonamarg this evening.
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An official said that at least two armed militants barged into the mess of a private company who were working on Z-Morh tunnel in Sonmarg area of Ganderbal district. They fired at the workers who were dining at the time of the attack.
The militants also torched two vehicles parked outside the construction company camp site before fleeing. Dr Shawnawaz from Naidgam village of Budgam district in Kashmir working for the construction company is among the dead.
The other dead include Gurmeet Singh son of Dharm Singh of Gurdaspur Punjab; Mohammad Hanif and Kaleem from Bihar; Safety Manager, Faheem Nasir from Bihar; Mechanical Manager, Anil Kumar Shukla from Madhya Pradesh and Designer, Shashi Abrol, from Jammu.
Director SKIMS hospital in Srinagar, Dr Mohammad Ashraf Gania, told Excelsior that five persons injured in the attack are undergoing treatment at the facility. He said their condition is critical, adding “doctors are trying hard to save their lives”.
Security forces including police and Army from the nearby units have been rushed to the area and a massive operation has been launched against the militants responsible for the attack.
This is the second attack in last three days in which migrant workers were targeted. On Friday, the bullet-riddled body of a labourer from Bihar was found in Shopian district.
The attack has been widely condemned with Home Minster Amit Shah saying that the dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, was 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,” he said in a post on X, adding, “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. ”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha posted on X: “I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on civilians in Gagangir. I assure 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.”
He further said: “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.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident as dastardly and cowardly on part of the militants.
“The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local and non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar,” he said. Earlier he posted: “Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 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,” he posted on X.
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