A brutal terror attack in Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir, claimed the lives of seven people, including a doctor, on Sunday evening. The deadly assault has been claimed by Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), now rebranded as The Resistance Front (TRF) due to government restrictions in Pakistan.
According to sources, the mastermind behind the attack is believed to be Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the head of TRF. Acting on his orders, the terrorists launched the attack near the Sonamarg-Ganderbal tunnel construction site, targeting both Kashmiri locals and migrant laborers. TRF has been extremely active in the Kashmir region, and over the last 18 months, they have been involved in multiple killings, particularly targeting Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs, and migrant workers.
The attack occurred when the terrorists, who had reportedly conducted reconnaissance in the area for over a month, opened fire on laborers working at the under-construction tunnel site. This strategic tunnel project, once completed, would connect Kashmir with Kargil year-round, even during harsh winters. It would significantly improve military surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) and boost Kashmir’s tourism industry.
Sources suggest that 2-3 terrorists carried out the attack, with the intent to disrupt the tunnel’s construction. The attack left one doctor and six migrant laborers dead, while five others were injured.
Following the incident, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah issued a stern warning, stating that those responsible for this heinous attack will not be spared. The Indian government is resolute in its stand against terrorism and will take necessary actions to ensure justice is served.
Explosive Details Emerge:
Investigators believe that the attack was orchestrated to halt the construction of the Sonamarg-Ganderbal tunnel, which is considered a vital infrastructure project for military and economic reasons. Once completed, it would facilitate easier access for the Indian military to monitor the LoC, and greatly enhance communication between Kashmir and Kargil, even during the harshest winters. The tunnel is also expected to significantly boost the local economy by improving connectivity and boosting the region’s tourism sector.