6 construction workers, 1 doctor killed in suspected militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - At least six construction workers, two of them non-natives, and a doctor were killed in a suspected militant attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir over the weekend, officials said on Monday.

The killings were reported at a construction site in Gagangir area of central Ganderbal district.

According to the officials, the workers were working on the construction of the strategic Z-Morh tunnel and widening of the Jammu-Leh highway in the district, which is close to the tourist destination of Sonamarg in the region.

At least five others are undergoing treatment for injuries.

The attack came a day after a bullet-riddled body of a non-Kashmiri was found in southern Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said those involved in the “heinous act” will not be spared.

“The dastardly terror attack on civilians… 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,” Shah said on X.

Condemning the attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said: “Very sad news of a dastardly and cowardly attack on laborers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area.”

This is the deadliest attack since Omar was sworn in as chief minister last week – the region’s first elected chief minister since 2019.

A team of the National Investigation Agency has reached the area for a probe into the incident.

Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed "deep sadness" over the incident.

"Islam, like all religions, deplores such inhuman behavior. Every life is precious, and to be lost in this manner is extremely painful. Another grim reminder of the unending cycle of violence and uncertainty we are suffering for decades," Farooq said on X.