Avinash Azad
In a fiery condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Ganderbal, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Dr. Farooq Abdullah lashed out at Pakistan, holding it responsible for the bloodshed in Kashmir.
the attack, which took place in the Gagangir area on Sunday, left seven people dead, including a local doctor and several non-local laborers who were working on a key infrastructure project. Abdullah decried the senseless violence, accusing Pakistan-sponsored militants of killing innocents for no gain.
“Kashmir can never become Pakistan,” Abdullah declared, addressing militants and their backers across the border. “For decades, Pakistan has sent terrorists here to shed blood, but what have they achieved? Nothing,” he stated bluntly. The veteran politician criticized the targeting of poor laborers, asking, “What will you gain by killing people who come here from other parts of the country to earn their livelihood?”
Abdullah also reflected on Pakistan’s long-standing attempts to destabilize Kashmir, recalling the 1947 invasion by tribal forces sent by Pakistan. “You started this bloodshed in 1947 by sending Kabailis (tribals), and since then, you’ve made numerous attempts. But Kashmir has remained and will remain an integral part of India,” he said firmly. Abdullah questioned Pakistan’s continued efforts, asking, “If you couldn’t convert Kashmir in 75 years, is it possible now? For the sake of God (Allah), look at your own country’s development and leave us in peace.”
He further urged Pakistan to cease its actions, saying, “If you truly want friendly relations with India, stop the bloodshed on our land. Killing innocent citizens will never be accepted. Let us live respectfully and allow us to progress.” Abdullah warned that continued violence would not only harm the people of Kashmir but also damage tourism and local livelihoods in the valley. “This latest attack will undoubtedly affect tourism, and the local life in the valley will suffer,” he said, expressing concern for the economic fallout.
The militants on Sunday evening opened fire on a camp housing laborers and private company staff engaged in the construction of a tunnel in the Gund area of Ganderbal district. This attack on unarmed civilians has drawn widespread condemnation from various political leaders.
Chief Minister J&K, Omar Abdullah called the incident “dastardly and cowardly,” noting that the victims were laborers working on an essential infrastructure project. “These people were contributing to the development of the area, and now they’ve paid with their lives. I strongly condemn this attack and send my deepest condolences to their families,” he said.
BJP State President Ravinder Raina echoed similar sentiments, stating that the terrorists behind the Sonamarg attack “will pay a heavy price for their sins.” He emphasized that the security forces would bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, Rishi Bagree, a political commentator, took to X (formerly Twitter) to blame the NC-Congress alliance for the resurgence of violence. “It took five years for the Modi government to bring peace to the region and just one week for the INDI alliance to undo all of this,” Bagree posted.
However, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was quick to counter Bagree’s claims, clarifying that law and order in Jammu and Kashmir falls under the jurisdiction of the Union government. “J&K is a Union Territory. Law and order is still the Union government’s responsibility, as is security. Address your complaints to the Union Home Minister, please,” Tharoor responded on X. This attack comes on the heels of another tragic incident earlier in the year when militants on June 9 opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple in June, killing nine people and injuring 41 others.
