A day after a devastating terror attack at a tunnel construction site in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of seven people, security forces launched a large-scale search operation on Monday. Personnel from the Army, CRPF, and police spread out in the area around the site to track down the terrorists and their supporters. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also actively investigating the location for evidence.
Search for Terrorists and Leads
Officials confirmed that, as of now, no arrests have been made. However, security forces remain optimistic about finding crucial leads that will help in identifying the attackers. “So far, no progress has been made in terms of arrests, but we are hopeful of developing some leads that will lead us to the terrorists involved in the attack,” an official stated.
Attack Details
On Sunday, unidentified terrorists carried out an attack at a tunnel construction site located on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in the Gund area of Ganderbal. The assailants struck in the evening, targeting the laborers and other staff working on the tunnel project. Tragically, a doctor and six laborers lost their lives in this brutal attack.
Broader Context of Attacks on Non-Local Laborers
This incident is one of the deadliest attacks on non-local laborers in Kashmir. The targeted violence has caused widespread concern, marking the fifth such attack on non-residents in the region this year. Efforts by the police and army to apprehend the attackers are ongoing, with officials pledging to deliver justice for the victims.
Nationwide Condemnation
Union ministers and various leaders across the country condemned the horrific incident, calling it a cowardly act. They assured that those responsible would face strict action. In a statement, Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned the attack, asserting that the “audacity of terrorists” would not derail efforts to create a peaceful region. Gandhi and other leaders highlighted that such violence would not deter the nation’s commitment to progress and stability in Kashmir.
The victims of the attack included individuals from different states across India, emphasizing the widespread impact of the ongoing violence in the region. This particular attack, reportedly involving suspected Pakistani terrorists, is considered one of the most significant acts of targeted violence in Kashmir in recent years.