Two Labourers Killed, Two Injured in Terrorist Attack in J-K’s Ganderbal
ANN DESK
Sonamarg, Kashmir – October 20, 2024: In a tragic incident, two non-local laborers were killed, and two others were injured in a terrorist attack in the Gagangier area near Sonmarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district late last night. The attack, targeting non-local laborers, has sparked shock and condemnation across the region.
The incident occurred when terrorists opened fire on the group of laborers in the Gagangier area, known for its proximity to the popular tourist destination of Sonmarg. The laborers were engaged in construction work in the area when they came under fire. According to officials, security forces were immediately dispatched to the area and launched a search operation to track down the perpetrators.
The two injured laborers were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable but critical.
Security Forces Launch Massive Search Operation
Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt to apprehend the terrorists responsible for the brutal assault. Additional forces have been deployed to the region, and roadblocks have been set up in nearby areas to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
This attack is the latest in a series of targeted assaults against non-local laborers in Kashmir,
Political Reactions and Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief over the killings and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “This cowardly act of targeting innocent civilians will not be tolerated. We will ensure that those responsible are hunted down,” Sinha stated.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack, calling for an immediate end to such violence. “The targeting of laborers who come here to earn their livelihood is inhuman and shameful,” Omar Abdullah said in a tweet.
Over the past few years, there has been a disturbing pattern of attacks on non-local laborers and minority communities in Kashmir, particularly targeting those who contribute to construction and developmental projects in the region. This has caused fear and insecurity among workers, particularly in rural areas where such attacks are more common.
The government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives of these workers, stressing the importance of their contributions to the local economy and infrastructure development in Kashmir.
As the search for the attackers continues, the incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in certain parts of Kashmir and the ongoing challenge of ensuring the safety of civilians, particularly those who are non-locals.
The brutal attack in Ganderbal serves as a grim reminder of the persistent challenges that Kashmir faces in its journey toward peace and stability. The security forces remain vigilant, but the targeting of vulnerable non-local workers adds a layer of complexity to the region’s security concerns. As investigations and search operations continue, the families of the victims are left grieving, while the injured fight for their recovery. The people of Kashmir, along with the rest of the country, hope for justice and a swift end to such senseless violence.
