A terrorist attack at a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Jammu & Kashmir's Ganderbal district left seven people, including a doctor and six labourers, dead on Sunday evening, officials confirmed.

The incident took place around 8 pm when unidentified terrorists opened fire upon a group of workers associated with Apco Infratech. The company is building a 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel that will connect the Gagangir area with the tourist resort of Sonamarg. This spot falls on the main highway connecting Kashmir Valley with Ladakh.

The terrorists had opened fire on a camp housing workers of a private company, who were working on an under-construction tunnel in the Gund area. The police and army have cordoned off the area to track the attackers.

J&K Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner arrive at the hospital where the people who were injured in the Gagangir terror attack are undergoing treatment. Security has been heightened outside the hospital.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the killings and promised that those "involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces." "At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," he posted on X.

 
Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also condemned the terrorist attack, saying the "innocent labourers" were engaged in a vital infrastructure project in Gagangir. “I offer my humble tribute to the martyred labourers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this difficult time."