Area Cordoned Off, Search Operation Underway
SRINAGAR, OCT 20: Seven people, including non-J&K residents, were killed, and five others were injured in a terror attack at Gagangir near Sonmarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, sources said on Sunday.
Sources said that terrorists attacked civilians at Gagangir, leading to the deaths of seven people and injuring five others. The deceased have been identified as:
Gurmeet Singh, son of Dharam Singh, from Gurdaspur, Punjab, Rigger
Dr. Shahnawaz, from Nayidgam, Budgam
Mohammad Haneef (Tahir & Sons), from Bihar
Anil Kumar Shukla, from Madhya Pradesh, Mechanical Manager
Faheem Nasir, from Bihar, Safety Manager
Kaleem (Tahir & Sons), from Bihar
Shashi Abrol, Designer, from Jammu
(Official confirmation of the deaths is still awaited.)
The injured, who have been rushed to SKIMS Soura Srinagar and SDH Kangan, are identified as:
Inder Yadav, 35, son of Gareeb Dass from Bihar (admitted at SKIMS Soura)
Mohan Lal, 45, son of Soum Nath from Kathua (admitted at SKIMS Soura)
Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, 25, son of Zahoor Ahmad from Preng, Kangan
Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, 30, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat from Safapora (admitted at SKIMS Soura)
Jagtar Singh, from Kathua
Security forces, including the Assam Rifles, CRPF, and the SOG of J&K Police, have cordoned off the area, and a search operation is underway. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the terrorists left behind one INSAS rifle and may have either fled or are still hiding in the area. The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Senior officers, including J&K DGP and IGP Kashmir, are at the scene to supervise the ongoing operation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his sorrow over the attack, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 have been killed & 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people & send my condolences to their loved ones”
In his another post on X, he writes, “The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local & non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar.”
BJP J&K also condemned the attack, “The attack on laborers in Gagangir, Sonamarg, is indeed tragic, and the loss of lives is deeply saddening. Condemning such violence is crucial in expressing solidarity with the victims. In this time of grief J&K BJP express deepest condolences with the family members and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” BJP4JnK shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Office of the LG JKUT also condemned the attack on X, “I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on civilians in Gagangeer. I assure the people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished. We have given full freedom to J&K Police, Army and Security forces. Our brave personnel are on the ground & they will ensure terrorists pay a very heavy price for their action. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the families in this hour of grief.”
“The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice. Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces. At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X.
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari condemned the attack and stated, “I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on innocent laborers in Gagangir, Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, who were engaged in a vital infrastructure project. I offer my humble tribute to the martyred laborers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery.”
Further details and official confirmation are awaited.
