Seven people killed by terrorists in a major strike in a decade ::: Doctor, non-locals, among victims

Seven people killed by terrorists were part of the construction team working on the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. 

One doctor and six migrant workers were killed after terrorists opened fire at a construction site in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday (Oct 20) evening. 

The attack occurred near an under-construction tunnel, they said. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched massive counter operations to hunt down the terrorists.

The victims were part of the construction team working on the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. 

Newly sworn-in Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the attack on "unarmed innocent people", which came just four days after he was sworn in.

"Very sad news of a dastardly and cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 have been killed and 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people and send my condolences to their loved ones," Abdullah posted on X.

The unidentified terrorists -- believed to be at least two -- carried out the attack when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp.

Senior security officials, including Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi, have reached the spot to assess the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack and called it an "act of