A chilling attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has left the region shaken, with the perpetrators targeting a construction site and claiming responsibility for the deaths of a doctor and six migrant workers. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the notorious Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the gruesome incident, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The attack, which took place on Sunday, targeted a construction site where a massive, billion-dollar tunnel project is underway. The TRF, in a statement circulated on social media, declared that the attack was aimed at both Kashmiri and non-Kashmiri individuals, highlighting a broader agenda of intimidation and disruption. This statement further indicates the group’s increasing brazenness and defiance of authorities.
The TRF, designated a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in January 2023, has been outlawed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. The MHA has cited the group’s activities as posing a significant threat to India’s national security and sovereignty.
The attack comes just days after Omar Abdullah took charge as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. This incident raises concerns about the security situation in the region and the potential for further violence, particularly targeting infrastructure projects.
Reacting to the attack, Omar Abdullah condemned the act as a “cowardly attack on non-local labourers.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in the region. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), also condemned the attack, expressing her condolences to the families of the victims.
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are expected to launch investigations into the incident to hold the perpetrators accountable. However, the incident highlights the need for increased security measures to protect both local communities and infrastructure projects from such attacks.