The Resistance Front (TRF), which emerged from the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has said it conducted a ghastly attack in the outskirts of Ganderbal in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which left one doctor and six labours from outside the Union Territory. This reprehensible act happened at construction site that is associated with the military tunnel construction work and it raised numerous concerns and controversies.
Details of the Attack
- Location: The attack took place in Gagangir, Sonamarg region of Ganderbal.
- Victims: A doctor and six laborers were killed when terrorists opened fire on a camp housing them.
- Circumstances: The assailants targeted both local Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris, emphasizing their warning against involvement in “illegal projects.”
TRF’s Statement
On Twitter, TRF leader Sajjad Gul pronounces that they had cautioned people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and people of other provinces and federation, that they should not indulge into such illegitimate acts. This favored statement directly associated the attack with construction on the multi-million dollar military tunnel project, and the group’s opposition of such projects.
Recent Violence in Kashmir
This incident comes a day after a labourer was lynched in South Kashmir’s Shopian district. These attacks have been conducted at a time when there is a change of government in Jammu and Kashmir with Omar Abdullah changing the government early this year.
Political Reactions
- Omar Abdullah: The Chief Minister condemned the “cowardly attack” and emphasized the need for security and protection for all individuals in the region, regardless of their origin.
- Mehbooba Mufti: The former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party president expressed her outrage, offering condolences to the families of the victims. She labeled the attack a “senseless act of violence.”
Government Response
In particular, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has banned the TRF under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 in January 2023. The government alleged that its activities are prejudicial to the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India. This ban is aimed at defacting the influence and activities of TRF and all its related or affiliated organisations in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
Conclusion
The recent act of terror in Ganderbal shows that threat remains uniformly present in the Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. Thus, it remains high time for local authorities to take care of everyone’s safety especially those so-called ‘migrant’ workers at sab offsets. Recent political transformations in the area create another challenging facet to an already excited situation, and hence requires active participation of the regional leaders in restoring law and order.
