Sources said the NIA team was led by a head constable-level police officer from the agency’s federal territories branch.
A doctor and six construction workers were killed when terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Ganderbal district on Sunday night. The terrorists launched the attack when the workers and other staff were returning to their camp in Ganderbalgund.
The incident caused serious concern because it was a targeted killing of terrorists. There are believed to be at least two terrorists who opened fire indiscriminately on a group of workers, which included locals and outsiders.
Two of them died at the scene and the others later died from their injuries. Officials also noted that five people are currently being treated for injuries.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday condemned the Gaganjir terror attack and said no one would support the bloodshed of innocent citizens.
Addressing a rally in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Sinha said, “A painful incident took place in Ganderbal yesterday. I don’t think anyone will support the bloodshed of innocent citizens. I hope the J&K police will quickly identify the culprits , I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”
The son of Dr Shahnawaz Dar, one of the seven people killed in the Gaganjir terror attack, said his father had wanted him to become a doctor but his death shattered his dreams. He added that he had to take care of his family after his father’s death and urged the government to help him realize his dream.
Speaking to ANI in Budgam, Mohsin Shahnawaz Dar said, “My father Dr Shahnawaz Dar was an honest and respected man in the area. My father wanted me to become a doctor but I wanted to be an IAS officer. My grandfather was a police inspector and he had full confidence in me that I would become an IAS officer.”
“My father was determined to make every effort for me to become an IAS officer. But after hearing yesterday’s news, my dream was shattered. I also have to take care of myself and my family. I urge the government to help me realize my dream,” he added.
Soon after the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his anger at the act, saying “JK Gaganjir’s despicable terror attack on civilians was a despicable act of cowardice.”
“Those involved in this heinous act will not survive and will face the harshest response from our security forces. I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased at this time of great sorrow. I pray for a speedy recovery for the injured.” he added.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, calling it a “despicable and cowardly” attack on non-local labourers.
“Very sad news, a despicable and cowardly attack on non-local laborers took place in Garganjir in Sonamarg district. These people were working on an important infrastructure project in the area. 2 persons were killed in this armed attack , 2 to 3 people were injured. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people and express my condolences to their loved ones,” Omar wrote on X on Sunday.
