J&K: Terrorists target construction workers engaged in the prestigious Z Morh tunnel project

The second terror attack after the formation of Omar Abdullah's government

October 21, 2024

2 killed, several injured in a fresh terrorist attack in J&K

In one of the most provocative terror attacks in recent months in Kashmir valley, two construction workers were killed by the terrorists near Sonamarg in Ganderbal district late Sunday evening.

However, unconfirmed reports claimed at least six people were feared killed in the attack. Among these two are officers, one a local doctor from Budgam, and three non-local construction workers. Three non-local workers hailed from Bihar, one from Madhya Pradesh and one hailed from Jammu.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range V K Birdi visited the spot. Still, Kashmir zone police have not confirmed the exact number of fatal injuries suffered by the civilians targeted by the group of heavily armed terrorists in the area. Most of the workers were shot in the head and were seen bleeding profusely in different corners of the camp where they were staying.

These workers were engaged in the construction of the prestigious Z-Morh tunnel project which is set to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Kargil in Ladakh.

The attack came on a day Srinagar hosted its first International marathon event in which around 2000 athletes from across the country and 12 foreign countries participated.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ran an impressive 21 km long half marathon.

This is the second major terror attack on non-local migrant workers after the formation of the Omar Abdullah government.

On Friday, Ashok Kumar Chauhan, a migrant worker, hailing from the Banka district of Bihar, was killed by terrorists in the Wachi area of Shopian.

Reacting to the news Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted a message on X (earlier Twitter), “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”.

As several critically injured were rushed to the SKIMS hospital in Srinagar Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X, “The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are several injured laborers, both local & non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar.

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…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 20, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned the terrorist attack on the construction workers in Ganderbal.

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…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 20, 2024

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.

Central Minister Nitin Gadkari also condemned the terror attack on the non-local construction workers.

I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on innocent laborers in Gagangir, Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, who were engaged in a vital infrastructure project.
I offer my humble tribute to the martyred laborers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this…
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 20, 2024

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2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

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