Kashmir tunnel site terrorist attack kills doctor and 6 migrant workers

A terror attack in Sonamarg, Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, has tragically resulted in the deaths of a Kashmiri doctor and six migrant workers. The incident occurred on Sunday evening near the construction site of the Z-Morh tunnel, an important infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in the region. Initial reports indicate that the victims were returning to their camp after work when they were ambushed by at least two unidentified terrorists.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the attackers opened fire indiscriminately on the unarmed construction team, which comprised three labourers, a project manager, a mechanical engineer, and a designer. Following the shooting, security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched extensive counter-terror operations to track down the assailants. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, was dispatched to oversee the response efforts and assess the situation on the ground.

Despite immediate medical intervention, all victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after being rushed to nearby hospitals. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack as a "dastardly and cowardly act" against innocent individuals engaged in crucial development work. He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and stressed the need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable workers in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned the attack, labeling it a "despicable act of cowardice." He assured that those responsible would face severe repercussions, emphasizing the government's commitment to combating terrorism in the region. Shah extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called for prayers for the speedy recovery of any injured individuals.

This attack underscores a disturbing trend of violence against non-local workers in Jammu and Kashmir. Just days prior, another migrant worker from Bihar was killed in Shopian, heightening concerns about the safety of laborers in the area. The Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed that these incidents are part of a broader pattern in which civilians, particularly non-local labourers, are increasingly targeted by terrorists.

Political leaders from various parties expressed their outrage over the attack. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi both condemned the violence, calling it a direct assault on the lives of innocent people contributing to the region's development. Gandhi characterized the killings as "inhuman and reprehensible".