Doctor Among 7 Killed in Ganderbal Terrorist Attack: Fresh Wave of Violence in Jammu and Kashmir

Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir: In a horrifying assault whose perpetrators are still unknown, seven people, including a doctor and six migrant construction workers, were killed in Ganderbal basked in terror on October 20, 2024. The incident happened around a building site close to the Z-Morh tunnel, which is under construction in Sonamarg, a district of Central Kashmir, which is an important project that connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg.

The Incident

Preliminary reports indicated that these people were part of the Z-Morh tunnel construction, which was aimed at enhancing the tourist and transport lure of the region. The attack took place late in the evening when most of the Australian troops, including the doctor, had already returned to their camp after work for the day. The terrorists, who were reportedly in the count of at least two, came from behind and attacked the group without any prior indication of the assault.

Ignoring stern warnings from the superior authorities, Local civilians joined the search. Security forces of all agencies were deployed all over the area and a large operation to capture the attackers was started. Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi and other senior officials reached the site to take stock of the scenario and to supervise counter-terrorist operations. The investigation remains active, as no group has yet taken full responsibility despite the clear evidence of Pakistani-sponsored terrorists.

Condemnation and Reactions 

Most of the Indian citizens, as well as both the central and state governments, have expressed their dismay about the incident. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, referred to it as “Pampering with the Coward”. He assured the public that the security forces available within the Indian territory would be very drastic against them. “The dastardly attack on non-combatants is the work of cowardice and nothing else. Sod and wuss to the British people forever. SHAH furiously proclaimed,” the relatives of the unfortunate people deserve our sympathy. The British will not be allowed to do anything.”

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir who assumed responsibility merely some days earlier, Omar Abdullah, also condemned the assault. “This is a cowardly attack on innocent workers who were just doing their jobs. To the relatives of the dead, I extend my deepest sympathies,” he had said in a posting on X (formerly Twitter). This attack comes a few days after the attack around the targeted area of a shopian where another migrant worker was killed, raising the worries of security further in the region.

Security Concerns for Migrant Workers

This is however not the first case where the migrant workers have faced the wrath in Jammu And Kashmir. There has in the last couple of years become a worrying trend where there have been peaks of such attacks with the militants targeting the non-locals especially those working on construction sites more.

The attacks being considered were wider in scope in trying to stall the development activities in the region and demoralizing workers from the rest of India so as to not help in the infrastructure and economic growth of the region.

Aside from the loss of life that is horrible in every regard, many people who are foreign nationals have been attacked often making them apprehensive about their exposure in these areas. Quite a number have already abandoned the area which has resulted in a halt of some of the critical projects. These focused attacks, even with increased security efforts, are still an issue for the agencies in the region.

Z-Morh Tunnel: A Key Infrastructure Project

According to One of the most important installation projects in the region, Z-Morh Tunnel is a borderline area for such an attack. The tunnel which is designed to enhance tourism and ease the transport connection between Gaganeer and Sonamarg is significant to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Its construction has brought in people from different parts of the country including dialectic labor force who are predominantly attacked in such violent ways.

The prospects do present challenges in a sense, but the constriction of the tunnel as well as of similar projects is still a commitment of the government. Of course this is all pertinent to when the terror attacks do not seem to take a toll on the security of the workers and professionals engaged in such development projects.

For updates on the Ganderbal attack and more on Jammu and Kashmir security, stay tuned to India Today.