Suspects questioned, no one arrested

Srinagar, Oct 22: The investigation into the recent attack in the Gagangeer area of Ganderbal district in central Kashmir continues as security forces intensify their efforts to track down the perpetrators.

Although several persons have been put to sustained questioning in connection with the attack, no arrests have been made so far.

The attack, which occurred on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in the Gagangeer area targeted the workers and a doctor who were working on a project site of a construction company.

The attack, which left a doctor and six labourers dead, unfolded when the staff had returned to their camp late in the evening after working on the tunnel project.

Among the dead were Dr Shahnawaz Dar, Faheem Nasir, Muhammad Kaleem, Muhammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla, and Gurmeet Singh.

The Gagangeer area, located in central Kashmir, is strategically important as it connects Kashmir with the Ladakh region, a route frequently used by security forces.

“We are scanning the entire area thoroughly, and investigations are in full swing,” Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi told Greater Kashmir. “Some individuals have been questioned, and we are examining all angles to identify and apprehend those responsible for this cowardly act.”

On Sunday evening security forces including J&K Police, Army, and paramilitary forces launched an extensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the dense forest areas surrounding Gagangeer.

Additional reinforcements have been called in from the nearby camps to assist in the operation, with special units of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police taking part.

Drone surveillance and sniffer dogs have also been deployed to aid the search efforts.

“The forces are maintaining a close vigil, and additional checkpoints have been set up on all routes leading to and from Gagangeer. We are making every effort to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice swiftly,” another senior Police officer said. “We are looking at all angles.”

Police have so far questioned several persons but nobody has been arrested.

Investigating agencies have collected the samples from the area for investigations into the attack.

The assailants, believed to be Pakistani militants, meticulously studied the site layout before executing their plan.

They first targeted the labourers’ mess before proceeding to the officers’ quarters.

Officials said that the attackers might have had prior knowledge of the site, potentially having worked there previously or receiving support from locals present at the location.

Eyewitnesses recounted the cold-blooded firing by the attackers.

Sources within the security establishment suggested that the attackers might have had prior knowledge.

“There is a possibility that this attack was pre-planned, with specific information about the movement of workers,” the senior Police official said. “Sustained questioning of people might lead to a concert clue. We are hopeful that the investigation, which is being conducted in coordination with multiple agencies, will soon lead to a breakthrough.”