Two non local workers shot at in J&K's Budgam, search on to trace assailants

Two non-local labourers working on the Jal Jeevan Project in the Mazhama area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district were shot at and injured by suspected militants on Friday evening.

The labourers were working at Mazhama graveyard near the banks of Nallah Sukhnag when they were attacked. One labourer sustained a bullet injury to his arm and another to his leg. Both are stable and out of danger.

ALSO READ | J&K: Defence official says Pakistani terrorists are ‘deliberately’ targeting locals to evoke fear in Valley

Reportedly, the two migrant workers--Sufiyan and Usman-- were from Uttar Pradesh. 

The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation is underway to locate the attackers.

ALSO READ | Jammu: Three militants killed in encounter after they open fire at Army vehicle

Both injured labourers were initially treated at SDH Magam and later referred to SKIMS Bemina for further care.

This attack marks the third major incident in recent weeks. 

On October 23 in Gagangeer, Ganderbal, a local doctor and six labourers were killed in a targeted attack. This was followed by an assault in the Gulmarg area of Baramulla, where two army porters and three soldiers lost their lives.

ALSO READ | BMP-2 combat vehicles, NSG commandos: Inside details of the 20-hour operation in Akhnoor

In the recent series of terror attacks, terrorists belonging to Pakistan-sponsored Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked an ambulance in an Indian Army convoy in J&K's Akhnoor sector. 

In counter-terror operations, the security forces eliminated three terrorists. 

The terrorists were planning a major strike, utilising the Akhnoor route, which was traditionally used by operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group, reported PTI. 

Reportedly, the terrorists entered the region through the Battal area, and a wireless set seized from them confirmed their association with the JeM.