The toll in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district escalated to seven on Monday as another injured succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
"The death toll in the terrorist attack on the labourers' camp of a private company at Gagangir area has risen to seven," officials said on Sunday.
Those killed by the terrorists include locals and non-locals working on tunnel-making activity between Gagangir and Sonamarg to make the Srinagar-Sonamarg all-weather road.
Civilian casualty list includes Faheem Nasir (Safety Manager from Bihar), Angil Shukla, Mechanical Manager from Madhya Pradesh, Mohammad Hanif from Bihar, Dr Shahnawaz from Budgam district of Kashmir, Kaleem from Bihar, Shashi Abrol (Designer). (Jammu) and Gurmeet Singh (Rigger from Gurdaspur Punjab).
Five injured are reported to be under treatment at super speciality SKIMS hospital in Srinagar city.
The security forces cordoned off the area and are undertaking an operation to trace the terrorists. The attack took place around 8.15 p.m on Sunday.
Attack on innocent civilians engaged in an important infrastructure project which would have made Sonamarg tourist resort an all-weather destination thereby bringing livelihood to hundreds of locals has received widespread condemnation.
Union home minister Amit Shah said on his X-post page, "The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K is an act of complete cowardice. Those involved in this heinous act will not go unpunished and face the harshest response from our security forces. At this moment of immense grief, I pray for the well-being of families of the deceased. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured.".
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who has been personally monitoring the work on this tunnel project said, "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 difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery".
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha was quoted as saying, "I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on civilians in Gagangeer. I assure people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished. We have given full freedom to J&K Police, Army & 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.". Pray for the health of the victims to be regained in the shortest time possible. The nation stands with the families in their hour of grief".
The chief minister, Omar Abdullah, termed the incident as 'dastardly' and cowardly on the part of militants. "Casualty figure from Gagangir attack not yet final as there are several labourers-both local and non-local, injured. Praying for full recovery of injured persons as more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar.".
Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local laborers 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"- Omar Abdullah immediately on getting word of the attack.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti "I strongly condemn the attack as a senseless act of violence."
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the attack and expressed grave concern over the frequent attacks by unknown gunmen on non-local labourers. He said such incidents would vitiate the atmosphere and requested the government to take immediate measures to contain such brutal attacks on innocent people.
The CPI (M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said, "A deeply disturbing report of another terrorist attack on migrant labourers has emerged from Ganderbal. Barely 48 hours ago, a non-local labourer was killed in Shopian. These dastardly attacks seem to be a cold-blooded attempt to disturb peace. The wrongdoers must be apprehended and punished. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the victims' families".
J&K Peoples' Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajad Gani Lone said: "Condemn strongly the dastardly act of terror wherein two persons have lost their lives in Sonamarg. This is an insane act of madness. My thoughts with families of these two families. May the perpetrators be brought to justice".
The frustration among the handlers across the border because the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were largely people-participative and peaceful is what has pushed terrorists to kill innocent unarmed civilians," a view intelligence agencies share.
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