Gunmen have shot and killed at least seven people working on a project to dig a tunnel in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir and wounded at least five, the Associated Press reported, citing BTA.
Police blamed militants who have been fighting Indian rule for decades for the "terrorist attack" at a construction workers' camp near the resort town of Sonamarg in the disputed region. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to law enforcement, two gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on officials and workers associated with the construction, killing two on the spot. At least 10 people were taken to hospital, where five later died. The attack took place shortly after the workers returned to their homes last night.
Hundreds of people, mostly foreign workers, are involved in the construction of a tunnel that is supposed to connect the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh – a cold desert region where heavy snowfalls last six months of the year. Experts believe that the tunnel is of strategic importance for the military, which will get significantly better options for action in Ladakh. This important region borders Pakistan and China and is home to Indian and Chinese troops as well as tanks and fighter jets.
The attack is the second on foreign workers in the region since the local government took office on Wednesday. These are the first local elections since the region's semi-autonomous status was revoked by India in 2019.
Police said the body of a worker from the eastern state of Bihar was found shot dead on Friday, with extremists being blamed for his murder.