TerrorAttack – Two Chhattisgarh Workers Killed in Kulgam Brick Kiln Terror Assault
TerrorAttack -Two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh lost their lives after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, prompting an intensified security operation and widespread condemnation from political leaders.
Two young labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed after terrorists attacked a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir on Friday evening, according to officials. The victims, both in their twenties, had travelled to the region for employment and were working at the kiln when the attack took place.
Victims Succumb to Their Injuries
Officials identified one of the deceased as Deepak Ratray, who died from his injuries before reaching a hospital. The second worker, Bopinder, was initially admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag before being shifted to SKIMS Hospital in Soura for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that both men were residents of Chhattisgarh and had been working in Jammu and Kashmir as migrant labourers.
Security Forces Launch Search Operation
Following the attack, security personnel sealed off the surrounding area and launched a large-scale search operation to trace those responsible. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a cowardly act of terrorism.
In a statement shared on social media, Sinha said he had spoken with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior security officials immediately after the incident. He directed security agencies to intensify operations against terrorist groups operating in the region and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Attack Comes Days After Earlier Incident
The latest violence occurred less than ten days after a police officer was shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag town. It also recalls previous attacks targeting non-local workers in the Union Territory.
In February 2024, two workers from Punjab, Amritpal Singh and Rohit Masih, were killed after being shot by a terrorist in Srinagar’s Shaheed Gunj area. Such incidents have raised concerns over the safety of migrant labourers who travel to Jammu and Kashmir in search of employment.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
Political parties across Jammu and Kashmir strongly denounced the killings. People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti described the attack as an act of extreme cruelty, noting that the victims had travelled far from their homes to earn a livelihood and support their families.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also condemned the incident, calling it a tragic and inhuman act of terrorism. He said innocent workers should never become victims of violence and expressed confidence that security agencies would identify and arrest those responsible. Bukhari also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength during their difficult time.
People’s Conference Denounces Violence
The People’s Conference also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the killings. The party said that targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable and contradicts the values of humanity, peace and compassion. It extended sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy and reiterated support for efforts to bring the perpetrators before the law.
The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges faced in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for migrant workers who contribute to local industries while living far from their families. Investigations and search operations remain underway as security forces continue efforts to identify and apprehend those involved.