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On October 20, a brutal attack on a construction site along the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Kashmir resulted in the deaths of seven people, including six non-local workers and a Kashmiri doctor. The victims were involved in the construction of tunnels crucial for providing all-weather connectivity to the strategically important Ladakh region, which borders China and Pakistan. This attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure projects.
CCTV footage obtained from the site revealed chilling details of the attack. Two militants, armed with a U.S.-made M4 Carbine assault rifle and an AK-47, were captured on camera spending approximately seven minutes at the workers' camp before retreating. The footage suggests the militants were familiar with the area's topography, indicating potential reconnaissance prior to the attack.
The attack took place around 7:25 pm, while some workers were in the dining area and others were heading for dinner. The camp's location, nestled below an approach road to the tunnel, is exposed, surrounded by barren mountains on one side and the Srinagar-Leh national highway on the other. The attackers' actions demonstrate a calculated and deliberate approach, targeting the camp with a grenade and firing upon workers in areas illuminated by lights.
Following the attack, a team from the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and senior police officials visited the site. Interviews with injured workers and a security guard who managed to escape revealed that the initial confusion over firecrackers quickly escalated into a realization of the terror attack. Authorities are scrutinizing evidence, including 37-40 used cartridges recovered from the scene, to identify the attackers.
Security agencies and local police are actively pursuing leads, questioning local villagers and attempting to identify the local handler who might have aided the militants in reconnaissance. The investigation is focused on tracing the militants' origins and identifying their connections to the attack. The attack has prompted the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor to order a safety audit of all construction sites across Kashmir, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.
The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant groups operating in Kashmir. The militants' choice of target, their sophisticated weaponry, and their coordinated approach underscore their determination to disrupt infrastructure development and destabilize the region. The authorities' response, including the involvement of the NIA and the heightened security measures, reflects the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to addressing the security challenges.
Source: CCTV footage of Gagangeer attack shows militants had M4 carbine, AK47