Ganderbal Police Refute Claims of Workers Being Asked to Leave Following Sonamarg Militant Attack
Avinash Azad
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has expressed concern over reports of non-local laborers leaving the valley following a deadly militant attack in Sonamarg that claimed seven lives and left several injured.
In a post on social media platform X, Mufti criticized the alleged pressure on non-local workers to leave the Valley. “While I understand their obvious sense of panic, asking them to leave in this manner is not a solution,” she stated, warning that such actions could have wider implications across the country and potentially impact Kashmiris working and studying in other states.
The former Chief Minister highlighted that J&K had recently conducted peaceful, terror-free elections, and argued that this “knee-jerk reaction” could undermine that progress. She urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure workers are given adequate time before any departure.
However, Ganderbal Police have strongly refuted claims about workers being asked to leave, dismissing such social media posts as “completely baseless.” Through their official X account, they assured their commitment to maintaining security and safety for all seeking livelihood opportunities in the region.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various political leaders, including National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who condemned those responsible for the attack as “predators.” Dr. Abdullah specifically criticized Pakistan’s role in destabilizing peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack occurred Sunday evening when militants targeted a camp housing laborers and private company staff involved in tunnel construction near the tourist destination of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district’s Gund area. This violent incident has raised concerns about security and stability in the region, particularly as it affects migrant workers who form a crucial part of Kashmir’s labor force.
