Gagangeer attack: Killings widely condemned

Srinagar, Oct 21: The killing of seven persons including a Doctor in Gagangeer attack in Sonamarg were widely condemned with several political and religious figures saying that the precious lives being lost in this manner is extremely painful.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the terror attacks and said the killings are an ‘act of cowardice’.
“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. 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,” Shah said in a social media post.
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, saying that nothing can be achieved by such attacks. “Everything can be achieved through a peaceful manner,” he said, adding that the violence has not brought anything in the last 35 years.
He added that there is a need for strict vigil by the security forces to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and ensure such attacks are not repeated.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in a social media post said terrorists who orchestrated the killings will ‘not go unpunished’.
“I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on civilians in Gagangeer. I assure the people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished. We have given full freedom to J&K Police, Army and Security forces,” Sinha said on X.
Congress leader and the party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi also condemned the attack via a social media post.
“The killing of six civilians including five labourers in a cowardly terrorist attack in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir is highly condemnable. Acts like killing innocent civilians and spreading violence and terror among the general public are crimes against humanity. The whole country is united against this. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Gandhi said.
The Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also condemned the killings committed by the terrorists in a social media post.
“I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on innocent laborers in Gagangir, Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, who were engaged in a vital infrastructure project. I offer my humble tribute to the martyred laborers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery,” Gadkari said.
National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah voiced his anger and sorrow, condemning the incident as a senseless act of violence.
In a statement, Abdullah vowed that such terror plots would not succeed in destabilising Kashmir or turning it into a separate entity. “Kashmir Pakistan nahi banega (Kashmir will not become Pakistan),” he declared, addressing both the perpetrators of violence and the leadership in Pakistan.
The Jamia Masjid’s head cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and decried the violent act as an affront to humanity and the teachings of Islam.
In his statement, Mirwaiz condemned the attack as “outrageous” and emphasised that Islam, like all religions, values human life. “Every life is precious, and to be lost in this manner is extremely painful. This is another grim reminder of the unending cycle of violence and uncertainty we have been suffering for decades,” he said. He also offered prayers for the families of the victims and the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
Furthermore, Grand Mufti of Jammu & Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam in a video statement has condemned the attack in Gagangir, saying that this attack is highly condemnable and raised concern about the safety of people in J&K. “I demand high-level inquiry to address potential lapse, especially the presence of security forces in Kashmir. Such acts are against the principles of Islam and humanity. I urge the government to provide all the possible help to the victims,” he said.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti in a post also condemned the attack
“Unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against two labourers in Ganderbal. Deepest condolences to their families,” Mehbooba Mufti said in a social media post.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman, Sajad Gani Lone said that the killings were an ‘insane act of madness’.
“Strongly condemn the dastardly act of terror wherein two persons have lost their lives in Sonamarg. This is an insane act of madness. My thoughts with the families of these two families. May the perpetrators be brought to justice,” Lone said.
Former deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta condemned the incident and said Pakistan-backed terrorists are trying to rear their head in the region.