As terrorists kill seven people in Central Kashmir, concerns grow over the effectiveness of security measures

A disturbing pattern of targeted violence has resurfaced in Jammu and Kashmir, with seven killed in a cowardly terrorist attack. The people killed were part of the construction team working on the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gagangir to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Yet another bomb blast occurred in the capital though no one was injured, which raises concerns about potential coordination between terrorist groups and the spread of violence beyond the Valley. While there is no direct evidence linking the incidents, the possibility of a broader security threat cannot be ignored. This latest attack is part of a troubling trend of escalating violence against migrant workers in the region, marking the fifth such incident this year. The recent killings underscore a persistent threat to life in Kashmir. This latest tragedy follows a series of deadly incidents in the Valley. The recent wave of terrorist attacks exposes critical vulnerability of security apparatus. While authorities, including J and K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, have condemned these acts and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, the recurrent nature of these attacks reveals deeper challenges in counter-terrorism measures and security protocols. The targeted nature of these attacks suggests a deliberate strategy to instill fear among migrant workers and disrupt ongoing development projects.

By targeting migrant labourers involved in infrastructure work, terrorists aim to deter economic activities that could stabilise the region. These incidents not only hamper development but also erode the confidence of workers who play a crucial role in key infrastructure projects. Moreover, the attacks signify a broader attempt to undermine the relative peace that has been maintained in recent years. Despite heightened security measures and the presence of the military in sensitive areas, the perpetrators have managed to carry out attacks on civilians, highlighting significant intelligence gaps and the ability of militants to exploit weaknesses in the security grid to target rather easy groups. A comprehensive review of security measures in Jammu and Kashmir is urgently needed. While military action remains essential, it needs to be complemented by robust intelligence gathering, better coordination between different security agencies and community-based approaches to countering extremist elements. The current situation also points to the need for upgrading the security apparatus around camps housing migrant workers and ensuring that projects with a high number of migrant labourers receive adequate protection. Another pressing issue is the socio-political narrative surrounding such incidents. There is a need for a unified political strategy that addresses not only the immediate security concerns but also the long-term socio-economic challenges that contribute to unrest. Investing in local economic opportunities, countering extremist ideologies through educational initiatives and strengthening intelligence network can make a lot of difference.