At least seven people were killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir in a gun attack on a construction site on the evening of October 20 (local time), Reuters reported.
The attack took place at a camp at a tunnel construction site in Gagangir village in Ganderbal district, about 69 km (43 miles) northeast of Srinagar city in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Reuters quoted a local police source as saying: “At least two armed unidentified men entered the premises of a private construction company and opened fire on the workers who were having dinner at the time of the attack.” 
Six workers and a doctor were killed and five others injured in the attack, local officials confirmed. It was one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the area this year.
Kashmir is a region in the Himalayas that is ethnically diverse. It covers about 138 square kilometres and is famous for its lakes, meadows and snow-capped mountains. Even before India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain in August 1957, the region was bitterly disputed. Under the partition plan provided for by the Indian Independence Act, Kashmir was free to join either India or Pakistan.
Local leader Hari Singh, who initially wanted Kashmir to be independent, opted to join India in October 1947 in exchange for its help against tribal invasions from Pakistan. A war broke out and India approached the United Nations (UN) asking it to intervene. The UN recommended a hearing to decide whether Kashmir should join India or Pakistan. However, the two countries could not agree a deal to demilitarize the area before the referendum could be held.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah called the attack a “despicable act of cowardice” in a statement.
“Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the sternest response from our security forces,” he said.
Kashmir is a Muslim-majority territory that is divided between India and Pakistan, but both countries claim sovereignty over the entire territory.
Police had earlier found the bullet-riddled body of a worker from the Indian state of Bihar in the Shopian area of Kashmir last week.
Last July, at least nine Indian soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by suspected militants in the same area.
Indian officials have strongly condemned the attack on “innocent” workers.
Kashmir is a Muslim-majority territory. Kashmir is divided into two parts, administered by India and Pakistan, but both countries claim sovereignty over the entire territory.
