Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Tuesday, 22 October 2024
The Z-Morh Tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway has drawn grim attention following a militant attack on Sunday evening in the Gagangeer area of Ganderbal, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including a doctor. This attack stands out as the first-of-its-kind, marking the first time terrorists have targeted a major infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Z-Morh tunnel is a vital part of the ambitious Zojila tunnel project, aimed at providing all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh. Situated at an elevation of about 12,000 feet and still under construction, the Zojila tunnel is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Once operational, it will offer a crucial lifeline to both civilians and military operations in the region, particularly during the harsh winter months when snowblocks traditional routes. The strategic importance of this project makes the attack not only a tragedy but also a cause for heightened concern, given its potential to disrupt military logistics and regional access.
The incident has sparked outrage across political and social spheres, with leaders and organisations voicing their shock and condemnation. Here’s a look at what key figures had to say about the attack.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah condemned the attack on non-local labourers, calling it “a dastardly and cowardly act.”
“These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area,” he said, expressing his condolences to the families of those killed. Abdullah condemned the targeting of innocent civilians and lamented the pain it caused to their loved ones.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that India’s fight against terrorism will continue, despite having established relative peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our fight is not over. We will continue to fight against terrorism, infiltration, and conspiracy to create religious tension,” Shah said at a public function.
He also paid tribute to police martyrs, saying, “Their sacrifice will not go in vain… the country will definitely become a fully developed nation by 2047.”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha paid tribute to those killed in the attack, declaring, “We won’t forget yesterday’s dastardly attack.”
Sinha highlighted the continuing threat from across the border, adding, “It’s still trying to kill innocent people in this region and to destabilise peace here.” "We need to stop drug smuggling here. We need to be aware of possible threats. We need to improve counter-insurgency operations," he said.
He further called for stronger measures against drug smuggling and improved counter-insurgency operations. “Innocents should be protected, and the guilty should not be spared,” Sinha emphasised.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah
Farooq Abdullah condemned the attack, accusing Pakistan of fuelling terrorism.
“If they really want friendship with India, they should stop this,” he said, adding, “Kashmir will not become Pakistan.”
Abdullah described the attack as “painful,” especially as the victims were poor labourers earning a livelihood. “What will these beasts get? Do they think that they will establish Pakistan here?” he questioned, urging Pakistan to focus on its development instead.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
In the wake of the deadly attack in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his strong condemnation, calling the act "a cowardly and unforgivable crime." The attack, which claimed the lives of several individuals, including a doctor and migrant laborers, has drawn widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
Gandhi extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Reflecting the nation's resolve, he added:
"This audacity of terrorists will never be able to break the order of construction in Jammu and Kashmir and the faith of the people. The whole country is united in this fight against terrorism."
His statement underscored the national solidarity in ensuring that such attacks do not hinder the region’s development and infrastructure projects like the Z-Morh Tunnel.
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives.
“What has occurred is extremely wrong, and we are deeply sorry for it,” he said. Choudhary linked the incident to pre-election violence, noting, “Similar incidents have occurred before elections in the past, and this is one of those kinds of incidents.”
He assured that both the lieutenant governor and the chief minister have vowed to take strict action. “We are elected representatives, and we strongly oppose such actions,” he added.
Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the senior Hurriyat leadership expressed profound grief over the killings, with the chairman stating, “Every life is precious, and to lose lives in this manner is extremely painful.”
He lamented that the incident was a grim reminder of the violence that has plagued the region for decades. “Islam strongly deplores such inhuman acts,” Farooq stressed, while offering prayers for the injured and extending condolences to the bereaved families.
PDP Leader Iltija Mufti
Iltija Mufti took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight that the problem in Kashmir remains unresolved.
“There is a problem at hand in Kashmir which for decades has claimed innocent lives & will continue to rage. Unless we acknowledge it & make genuine attempts to resolve it,” she posted. Mufti added that no events or elections can cover up the underlying issues. “How many more families & generations will have to pay a price for Delhi's ignorance?” she asked.
People's Conference Leader Sajad Gani Lone
In a statement on X, Sajad Gani Lone expressed outrage over the attack, stating, “This is an insane act of madness.”
He condemned the violence, offering his thoughts to the families of the victims. “May the perpetrators be brought to justice,” he added.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra
JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra voiced concern over the attack, warning that such incidents will only vitiate the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged the government to take swift and immediate measures to prevent further attacks on innocent labourers, adding that peace must prevail for the region’s development.
