On Sunday, militants carried out an attack that killed seven workers, including a doctor, involved in the Z-Morh Tunnel project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
The attack took place at a construction site along the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Ganderbal district.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by a senior Superintendent of Police, is en route to Gagangir, Jammu Kashmir, where the attack occurred.
The NIA is expected to arrive at the site by noon today to begin its investigation. Authorities identified the victims as Dr. Shahnawaz from Budgam, Fayaz Ahmad Lone, and Zahoor Ahmad Lone from Kashmir, alongside migrant workers Gurmeet Singh, Inder Yadav, Mohan Lal, and Jagtar Singh.
They were attacked at their camp shortly after returning from work. The camp, set up for the Z-Morh Tunnel construction, is located on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road. Witnesses reported that the assailants cut off the camp’s electricity before launching the attack.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is a crucial infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity in the Himalayan region, particularly between Kashmir and Ladakh.
Named after the Z-shaped road stretch it bypasses, the tunnel aims to provide all-weather access along the Srinagar-Leh highway, which often faces closure during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides.
Spanning 6.4 kilometers, the tunnel is located near Gagangir and connects the popular health resort of Sonamarg with Kangan town in the Ganderbal district.
The tunnel sits at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, making it vital for maintaining uninterrupted movement in this challenging terrain. It is equipped with advanced safety features such as ventilation, fire safety systems, and surveillance technology, ensuring secure and efficient travel.
The project holds strategic, economic, and military significance.
For the military, the tunnel serves as a critical route for quicker and more reliable movement of personnel and supplies, particularly given Ladakh’s proximity to sensitive border areas.
The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of a larger infrastructure initiative in the region, alongside the construction of the Zojila Tunnel.
Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel will further extend connectivity from Sonamarg to Drass and Kargil in Ladakh, ensuring all-season access along the entire stretch of the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Together, these projects represent significant efforts to enhance infrastructure, boost the local economy, and strengthen security in Jammu Kashmir.