A chilling assault on a construction site highlights ongoing security challenges in the region as authorities initiate a manhunt for the attackers
In a tragic and ruthless act of violence, six construction workers and a doctor were killed in a terror attack in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir last night. The attackers opened fire on a camp housing workers from a private company engaged in a crucial infrastructure project—building a tunnel in the area.
The incident unfolded at a campsite where both local and non-local workers were present. At least two assailants unleashed gunfire, leading to a swift response from the army and police, who cordoned off the area and initiated a manhunt for the terrorists. As of now, the attackers remain at large.
The victims of this attack have been identified as Dr Shahnawaz, hailing from Nayidgam in Budgam, Gurmeet Singh from Gurdaspur, Punjab, and several workers from Bihar, including Mohammad Haneef, Faheem Nasir, Kaleem, and Anil Kumar Shukla, a mechanical manager from Madhya Pradesh. Shashi Abrol, a designer from Jammu, also lost his life in this senseless act of violence.
Following the attack, investigators discovered an INSAS rifle left behind by the assailants. Additionally, two vehicles belonging to the company were set ablaze. Authorities have imposed restrictions on media access to the site, with journalists reportedly barred from proceeding beyond Manigam, located 50 km from the scene, due to the ongoing search operation.
Expressing deep concern over the attack, newly-elected Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, condemned it as a “dastardly and cowardly” act targeting non-local labourers. He emphasised the importance of these workers, who were contributing to vital infrastructure in the region. “These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people and send my condolences to their loved ones,” he stated.
In a similar vein, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, assured the public that the police, army, and security forces have been granted full authority to apprehend those responsible for this “despicable act.” He vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished, reinforcing the commitment of the government to maintain security in the region.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari also condemned the “horrific” attack, highlighting the vital contributions of the innocent labourers to the region’s infrastructure. “Acts like killing innocent civilians and spreading violence and terror among the general public are crimes against humanity. The whole country is united against this,” stated Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, echoing sentiments of outrage and solidarity in the face of such violence.
This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of another disturbing case involving the death of a labourer from Bihar, whose body was discovered in Shopian district just days earlier. The worker had been on the phone with his colleagues before mysteriously disappearing, prompting a search that led to the discovery of his bullet-ridden body.
The recent attack marks one of the deadliest in the region in recent times, occurring shortly after a new government was sworn in, led by Omar Abdullah’s National Conference in alliance with Congress. These elections, the first since 2014, were significant following the controversial abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
As authorities work diligently to address the immediate security concerns following this attack, the broader implications for peace and stability in the region remain uncertain. The continuing threat of violence poses significant challenges to both local and non-local communities, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to ensure safety in a region long plagued by unrest.
