Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir: In a devastating terrorist attack on Sunday evening, seven people were killed near an under-construction tunnel in the picturesque town of Sonamarg, Ganderbal district. Among the victims, five were non-locals, including two high-ranking officers and three laborers working on the ambitious Z-Morh tunnel project. A local doctor also tragically lost his life. The tunnel, intended to connect Gagner to Sonamarg, has been a symbol of economic development and strategic importance in the region.
Five others sustained serious injuries in the attack and are being treated at the Sub District Hospital and a specialized facility in Srinagar. The attack, which took place in a region otherwise known for its natural beauty, has shaken the local community, especially migrant workers, who fear becoming frequent targets in this new wave of terrorism.
TRF Claims Responsibility: Lashkar-e-Taiba Link Suspected
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the notorious Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, swiftly claimed responsibility for the brutal attack. TRF has been recognized as a key player in Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing insurgency, engaging in frequent acts of violence aimed at destabilizing the region. Security experts believe this could be part of a broader strategy to disrupt infrastructure development projects that connect vital areas of the Union Territory.
Security Forces Launch Massive Manhunt
In the immediate aftermath, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale search operation to track down the perpetrators. Investigators suspect that the attack was a meticulously planned strike aimed at derailing construction work that is critical for the region’s connectivity and economic future. Multiple teams have been deployed, scouring the rugged terrain in a bid to capture the attackers before they can slip across the border.
Omar Abdullah Condemns Attack, Calls It a ‘Cowardly Act’
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” aimed at sowing fear among the people of the state. “I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” Abdullah stated. Notably, Abdullah himself won a recent election from Ganderbal, the same district where the attack took place, making the incident even more significant on the political landscape.
Pattern of Targeted Killings Raises Alarms
This latest incident is part of a disturbing pattern of targeted killings, with non-locals becoming a frequent target in Jammu and Kashmir. Just two days earlier, a laborer from Bihar was murdered in a similar attack in Shopian. Migrant workers, who play a crucial role in the region’s labor force, are increasingly fearful as terrorists shift their focus from military personnel to civilians. The attacks seem designed to disrupt not just the security apparatus but also the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Kidnapping and Killing of Army Soldier Adds to Security Woes
Adding to the mounting tension, an Indian Army soldier was brutally killed earlier this month after being kidnapped by terrorists in Anantnag district. Two soldiers were abducted on October 8, but while one managed to escape, the other was mercilessly shot. This incident has heightened fears that militants are becoming bolder in their tactics, seeking to undermine the morale of the armed forces and local governance.
Heightened Concerns Over Security in J&K
The spate of attacks, targeting both security forces and civilians, points to an alarming resurgence of terrorism in the region. As Ganderbal reels from this deadly strike, authorities are intensifying efforts to secure development sites and protect the lives of migrant workers, who are increasingly caught in the crossfire of militancy. The evolving pattern of violence, which seems to be shifting from the borders of Kashmir to the relatively quieter districts like Ganderbal, has added new dimensions to the security challenges faced by the government.
