In a shocking attack that left seven dead, including six non-local workers and a local Kashmiri doctor, CCTV footage has revealed the disturbing details of the October 20 assault at a construction site along the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The footage captured two militants, armed with a U.S.-made M4 Carbine assault rifle and an AK-47, spending approximately seven minutes terrorizing the camp before retreating into the surrounding barren mountains.
Targeting Workers at a Critical Construction Site
The victims were involved in the construction of tunnels designed to provide all-weather access to the strategically important Ladakh region, which borders both China and Pakistan. The attack occurred at around 7:25 PM, when many workers were either preparing for or having dinner at the camp.
According to the footage, the attackers knew the camp’s layout and surroundings well, suggesting they had scouted the location beforehand. The camp, situated below an approach road to the tunnel and surrounded by barren mountains, was vulnerable, with the Srinagar-Leh Highway running adjacent to the camp.
The Attack Unfolds
The attackers initially fired at the site where there was no CCTV coverage, but their subsequent movements were captured. They stormed the camp, opening fire in the dining area and attacking workers without mercy. The militants also targeted a mess hall and threw a grenade inside a parked vehicle, killing the driver. Within minutes, the peaceful camp transformed into a battlefield.
Sources have revealed that, at first, the workers thought the sounds were firecrackers, a common occurrence during festive times. However, within two or three minutes, the reality of the terror attack dawned on them. A security guard who managed to escape confirmed these horrifying details to investigators.
Sophisticated Weaponry and Tactics
Investigators have recovered between 37 and 40 used cartridges from the site. The militants’ choice of weapons—a M4 Carbine and an AK-47—further emphasizes the level of preparation and the potential outside support for the attackers.
Following the attack, senior police officials and a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the site to begin their probe. Security agencies have since been questioning locals to uncover details about possible local handlers who may have conducted reconnaissance missions for the militants.
Safety Measures in Place Post-Attack
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the site shortly after the attack and ordered a safety audit of all construction sites in the region. Security measures have been stepped up, and at least 40 individuals have been questioned in connection with the attack.
Local villagers and workers are being asked to provide any information that could help identify the attackers or their handlers. Security forces are on high alert, and efforts are underway to ensure that such brutal incidents do not recur.
Ongoing Investigations and Increased Security
The Gagangeer attack has left the region in shock, with questions surrounding the attackers’ motives and their local support systems. As investigations intensify, the use of sophisticated weaponry like the M4 Carbine and AK-47 highlights the growing dangers of militancy in the region. While security agencies are working round the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible, the attack has sparked renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at critical infrastructure sites across Jammu and Kashmir.