TRF, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claims responsibility for Kashmir terror attack; 7 killed

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based terror outfit affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for a brutal terror attack in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of seven civilians, including a doctor and six laborers. This incident marks a troubling escalation in TRF's operational tactics, as it targeted both local Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris simultaneously for the first time, indicating a strategic shift in its approach.

The attack unfolded on Sunday evening around 8:15 PM at a construction site for the Z-Morh tunnel, part of a vital infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. Official sources confirmed that Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the TRF chief based in Pakistan, orchestrated the assault. Reports indicate that a local module of TRF conducted reconnaissance of the site for a month prior to the attack, underlining the premeditated nature of the violence. Witnesses stated that two to three militants stormed the workers' camp, firing indiscriminately at the laborers employed by APCO Infratech.

Among the victims were Dr. Shahnawaz from Budgam, Faheem Nasir from Bihar, Gurmeet Singh from Punjab, and other laborers from various states. This targeted killing not only underscores the vulnerability of civilians in conflict zones but also raises concerns about the safety of laborers engaged in crucial infrastructure development projects. The attack occurred when the workers had returned to their camp after a day’s work, highlighting the calculated nature of the assault during vulnerable hours.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the act as "dastardly" and offered condolences to the victims' families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised that those responsible will face the "harshest response" from security forces, reiterating the government's commitment to combatting terrorism in the region.

In response to the incident, security forces launched extensive operations to locate the assailants, cordoning off the area and increasing patrols. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the attack site, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The Union territory has seen a significant rise in terrorist violence this summer, with 22 security fatalities since May 4. Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, GoC of the Army's 15 Corps, indicated that around 80 terrorists remain active in the region, exacerbating fears among local communities and contributing to an atmosphere of insecurity.