The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack in Ganderbal on Sunday, killing seven people, including a doctor and six migrant laborers.
The attack targeted a construction site for a military tunnel project in Gagangir, Sonamarg region. According to the TRF, the group had previously warned against participating in “illegal projects,” referring to the ongoing tunnel construction.
Two labourers were killed on the spot when terrorists opened fire on their camp, while the doctor and four others succumbed to injuries later. The attack comes shortly after Omar Abdullah assumed office as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir following the recent elections.
Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly assault” on migrant labourers. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her condolences, saying on X (formerly Twitter), “Unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against two laborers in Ganderbal. Deepest condolences to their families.”
The TRF, banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in January 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is classified as a terrorist organization for its links to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The attack underscores rising security concerns in the region, particularly with new infrastructure projects underway. The incident also follows a recent attack in Shopian, where a laborer was killed by militants.
