“Dastardly” Terror Attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ganderbal; Six Workers and Doctor Killed

At least six construction workers and a doctor were killed in a terrorist attack in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night. The assailants opened fire on a camp housing workers from a private company engaged in tunnel construction. The army and police have since cordoned off the area and are actively searching for the attackers. The campsite was occupied by both local and non-local workers.

Omar Abdullah, the newly-elected Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, condemned the attack, calling it a "dastardly and cowardly attack on non-local labourers." "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,” said Abdullah.

Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, assured the public that full authority has been granted to police, army, and security forces to address the situation. He emphasized that those responsible for this "despicable act" will not escape punishment.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also denounced the "horrific" attack, expressing sorrow over the loss of innocent lives engaged in vital infrastructure work. In a post on X, he remarked, "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."

Among the victims were Dr. Shahnawaz from Nayidgam in Budgam, Gurmeet Singh from Gurdaspur in Punjab, Mohammad Haneef, Faheem Nasir, safety manager Kaleem from Bihar, Anil Kumar Shukla, a mechanical manager from Madhya Pradesh, and Shashi Abrol, a designer from Jammu.

The attackers reportedly left behind an INSAS rifle at the scene, and two vehicles belonging to the company were set on fire. Police have restricted media access to the attack site, preventing journalists from moving beyond Manigam, approximately 50 km from the location, due to the ongoing operations.

The attack is one of the deadliest in recent times, coming shortly after the establishment of a new government in the Union Territory. This government, formed by Omar Abdullah's National Conference in alliance with Congress, marks a significant political shift as it follows the first elections conducted after the abrogation of Article 370.​