Lashkar's Sheikh Sajjad Gul Likely Masterminded Terror Attack in J&K's Ganderbal That Killed 7

New Delhi: A day after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir claimed seven lives, it is being speculated that Lashkar Commander and TRF Chief Sheikh Sajjad Gul is the mastermind of Ganderbal terror plot. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has stepped in to probe this attack. 

It is learnt that Sheikh Sajjad Gul is presently operating from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). A reward of 10 lakh has been announced on his Gul by National Investigation Agency. 

Sheikh Sajjad Gul is a hardcore terrorist of proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Toiba's frontal organisation 'The Resistance Front (TRF).

7 Killed in Ganderbal Terror Attack

On Sunday evening, seven migrant workers were shot dead by terrorists in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack was carried out near an under-construction tunnel, prompting immediate responses from security forces. Officials reported that the victims were part of a construction team working on the Z Morh tunnel, which is aimed to connect Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir. Following the shooting, security forces reached the attack site and cordoned off the area. Further security was beefed up at the hospital where the injured were admitted for treatment.

Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded in the Jammu region and security of the areas where non-locals reside, has also been beefed up. The officials have asked to strengthen the security in the entire Jammu region after the terror attack. Security forces took position & cordoned off the area in Gaganger, Sonamarg, Ganderbal, following a terror attack yesterday. Authorities have also launched a search operation to neutralize the attackers and ensure the safety of the region.  

The terror plot was carried out when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.

According to reports, the terrorists, believed to be at least two, opened indiscriminate fire on the group of labourers, including both locals and non-locals.

While two labourers were killed on the spot, four others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries, the officials said, adding that five people were undergoing treatment for injuries.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers, the officials said.

Amit Shah Vows Harshest Response To Ganderbal Terror Attack 

Union Home Minister condemned the terror attack and issued a stern warning to terrorists for carrying out a deadly attack against civilians. The Union Home Minister said that those involved in the attack will not be spared.

In a post on X, Amit Shah described the  the terror attack on civilians as a “despicable act of cowardice.” Vowing harshest response from Indian security forces, the Union Minister said those involved in the terror plot will face consequences.

"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," Amit Shah tweeted.

Shah also expresses condolences to the family of the deceased. “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,” he further wrote.