SRINAGAR: Two labourers were killed and two others injured in a militant attack on non-local workers between Gagangeer and Sonamarg area of Kangan in central Kashmir, where a major tunnel project is underway.
Initial reports indicate that at least four workers have sustained gunshot injuries and are in critical condition. The attack occurred near the Srinagar-Leh highway, where two major road tunnel projects are currently under construction.
The militants opened fire on the camp housing labourers of a private company working on the construction of a tunnel at Gund area in the Ganderbal district, officials said.
Following the assault, an intense exchange of fire between security forces and the attackers was reported in the area.
Omar Abdullah, the newly appointed Chief Minister condemned the attack. “Very sad news of a dastardly and cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region,” he wrote on Twitter. “These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. Two have been killed and Two to Three more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people and send my condolences to their loved ones.”
Some of the victims of the attack have been identified. These include Gurmeet Singh, 30, son of Dharam Singh, resident of Punjab; Inder Yadav, 35, son of Gareeb Dass, resident of Bihar; Mohan Lal, 30, son of Somnath, resident of Kathua; Fayaz Ahmad Lone, 26, son of Zahoor Ahmad Lone, resident of Preng Kangan, and Jagtar Singh, 30, son of Surah Singh, resident of Kathua. Gurmeet Singh was declared dead upon arrival at SKIMS. The remaining five have been referred to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, for further treatment. Further details will follow.
Reports said the toll may go up.
PTI reported, “Two labourers died on the spot while two others sustained injuries, officials said, adding further details are awaited. Police and army have cordoned off the area to track the attackers.”
