Srinagar: At least three civilians were killed and some have suffered injuries after suspected militants opened fire at the base camp of a construction company in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir on Sunday (October 20), officials said.
J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said that the final death toll was not yet known as a number of local and non-local labourers were injured in the fatal shooting which took place in Gagangir village on Srinagar-Leh highway on Sunday evening.
Sources said that unidentified gunmen, whose number has not been confirmed by the police, indiscriminately opened fire at the labourers near the base camp of APCO Infra, a Lucknow-based construction company, which has worked on several key projects in Kashmir.
According to reports, the base serves as a night shelter for several dozens of labourers and engineers who are involved in the construction of Z-Morh tunnel, a strategic tube on the highway which connects Kashmir valley with the Union Territory of Ladakh.
A 27-second video, purportedly shot moments after the shooting, showing the bloodied bodies of two victims lying on the road some 10 metres apart near the camp surfaced on social media. One of the victims is seen wearing a white shirt and green trousers, lying face-up near a white car. A green soft drink bottle is lying beside the second victim, dressed in black trousers with white stripes and a brown sweater.
The identities of the slain victims, who are believed to be non-locals, has not been confirmed by the police so far. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir), V.K. Birdi, confirmed the killings to a local news gatherer, saying that the incident took place in a forested area.
No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
A senior police officer said that a team of police, army and paramilitary troopers arrived at the spot after the shooting and the injured labourers were shifted to a hospital where their condition is reported to be stable.
A search operation was underway in the area to track down the perpetrators when this report was filed.
The fatal shootout in Ganderbal district came two days after a bullet-riddled body of a migrant worker from Bihar was found near Rambiara river in south Kashmir’s Shopian district. The worker, who had been abducted by suspected militants, was identified as Ashok Chauhan. He used to sell maize in the district.
Although no militant group has claimed responsibility for the shooting, police have described the incident as a “terror attack”.
The back-to-back killings are likely to create an atmosphere of fear among thousands of migrant workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, who earn their livelihood in Kashmir by working in skilled and unskilled sectors, including construction and agriculture among others.
This is the second incident of civilian killing after Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and his government is likely to face tough questions on the breakdown of law and order after coming to office.
“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,” Abdullah posted on X after the Ganderbal attack.
The attack was also condemned by other political parties including People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad and Peoples Conference (PC) among others.
“Unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against two labourers in Ganderbal. Deepest condolences to their families,” Mufti posted on X.
Azad said, “Strongly condemn the killing of two non local innocent labourers in the Gagangier area in Ganderbal, Kashmir. This is the third killing in the last three days—an act against humanity. The enemies of peace must be dealt with firmly. My condolences to their families and prayers for the injured!”
“Deeply disturbed by the brutal killings in Gagangir, Sonmarg. Two innocent lives lost, families devastated. Urging authorities to take immediate action. Kashmir deserves peace, justice & an end to senseless violence,” PC general secretary and former J&K minister Imran Ansari posted on X.
