Two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a targeted terrorist attack at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening. The victims, identified as 24-year-old Deepak Ratray and 28-year-old Bhupendra Bhaina, were working at the site when assailants opened fire. Deepak died shortly after the attack, while Bhupendra succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital on Saturday. The attack has prompted a swift response from security forces, who have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the perpetrators.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident as a dastardly act and announced ex gratia relief of 10 lakh rupees for the families of each victim, in addition to 6 lakh rupees provided by the district administration. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed strong condemnation, stating that he has directed security forces to intensify operations to eliminate the terrorists responsible. The incident has caused significant alarm in the region, leading to heightened security measures, including increased vehicle checks and patrols across the Kashmir Valley.
This tragedy marks the second targeted attack on non-local workers in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about the safety of migrant labourers who travel to the region for seasonal employment. The Resistance Front, a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. As investigations continue, local authorities are reviewing standard operating procedures to better protect workers from outside the region. The families of the deceased have appealed for government support as they grapple with the loss of their primary breadwinners.