Doctor, non-local workers, among seven dead in terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir

The attack occurred near an under-construction tunnel, officials told India Today.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area.

A massive counter operation has been launched to track down the terrorists responsible for the attack.

According to initial reports, the doctor and workers attacked were part of the construction team working on the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, the Indian news channel reported.

The deceased reportedly included non-local labourers.

Militants suspected to be two in number opened indiscriminate fire on the workers, resulting in two non-local labourers dying on the spot, officials told UNI news agency.

Nine others, including a local doctor, sustained injuries. Five of the injured including the doctor later succumbed to their wounds, officials said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condoled the loss of lives in the incident and posted on X: "Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 have been killed & 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people & send my condolences to their loved ones."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on the platform: "The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice. 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."