In a horrifying incident that has shaken the Kashmir Valley, two armed terrorists launched a brutal attack on a workers’ camp in Ganderbal, Central Kashmir, on October 20, 2023. The attack, which lasted around seven minutes, claimed the lives of seven workers, including a local doctor and six migrant laborers.
CCTV footage later revealed the chilling presence of the attackers, who were armed with an M4 carbine and an AK-47 rifle. The attack targeted workers involved in the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel, a key infrastructure project in the region. Investigations are ongoing, as authorities search for the perpetrators and probe the possible involvement of foreign militants.
Two Armed Militants Caught on CCTV in Ganderbal, Kashmir
On October 20, CCTV footage captured two heavily armed terrorists at a workers’ camp in Ganderbal, a district in Central Kashmir. The attackers, armed with an American-made M4 carbine and an AK-47, spent approximately seven minutes at the site, during which they killed seven workers.
Victims of the Attack Include a Doctor and Migrant Workers
Among those killed in the attack was a doctor from Budgam in Kashmir. The other six victims were migrant workers from outside the region. All of them were employed by APCO Infratech, a company responsible for building the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway.
The attack occurred at about 7:25 PM while some of the workers were eating dinner and others were in the dining area. The camp is situated near an access road to the Z-Morh tunnel, with barren mountains on one side and the Srinagar-Leh national highway on the other.
Investigation Underway at the Scene
In the wake of the attack, top-ranking police officers, along with members of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other security forces, arrived at the scene to investigate. According to sources cited by The Indian Express, no surveillance cameras were installed at the initial point of the attack. However, the attackers were caught on CCTV after they moved to another part of the camp, where they were seen opening fire on workers. The terrorists also targeted the mess hall before moving outside and attacking more people.
Attackers Also Used Grenades
Further investigation has revealed that the terrorists placed a grenade inside a vehicle parked at the workers’ camp before shooting its driver. Reports from injured workers and a security guard who managed to escape indicate that many at the camp initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks. However, within two to three minutes, they realized they were under a terror attack.
Extensive Use of Firearms During the Attack
Authorities have discovered 37 to 40 spent bullet casings at the scene, indicating the level of firepower used in the assault. The attackers used an M4 carbine assault rifle and an AK-47 during their rampage.
Search for the Terrorists and Potential Foreign Links
Officials have questioned locals in the surrounding area but have yet to identify the terrorists. Investigators believe the attackers may be foreign nationals who infiltrated the Kashmir Valley through Bandipora district. Top officials from the police, army, and CRPF have made frequent visits to the site, as the hunt for the culprits intensifies.
Over 200 Workers Present at the Time of the Attack
At the time of the attack, more than 200 workers and staff were present at the camp. The terrorists infiltrated the area unnoticed, launching their attack without any immediate resistance from security personnel. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the terrorists remain at large, and the investigation continues.
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