The killing of two migrant labourers in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has drawn widespread condemnation, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announcing an ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the victims. The attack, which targeted non-local workers in the Kellam area of Kulgam, has once again raised concerns over the safety of migrant labourers and the continuing threat of terrorism in the Union Territory.
The attack took place on Friday when terrorists opened fire on two labourers from Chhattisgarh who were working in the area. One worker died on the spot, while the other sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) hospital. The injured labourer later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. Both victims were in their twenties and had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir in search of employment.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as a "dastardly" and "senseless" act of violence. In a post on X, he announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased labourer.
"The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed that the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time," the official statement said.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also condemned the killings, expressing anguish over the repeated targeting of civilians and migrant workers.
"It is deeply saddening. Similar incidents happened earlier in Pahalgam and Anantnag, and now two migrant labourers who had come to earn a living have been killed," Choudhary told ANI.
He further questioned the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "We have reached a point where we are tired of repeatedly condemning such attacks. Article 370 was revoked, and the state was downgraded to a Union Territory on the promise that terrorism would end. Six years later, if killings are still taking place..."
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also strongly condemned the attack and said he had reviewed the situation with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior security officials.
"I strongly condemn this cowardly act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists," Sinha said in a statement.
He added that security agencies have been instructed to intensify anti-terror operations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. The Lieutenant Governor also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the entire nation stand with them.
Following the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with security forces, cordoned off the area and launched a massive search operation to trace the attackers. Additional security deployments have been made in and around Kulgam as the operation continues.
According to reports, The Resistance Front (TRF), an organisation regarded as a proxy of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. Messages attributed to the group circulating on social media have reportedly threatened further attacks on non-local residents and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel.
Security agencies are examining the authenticity of these claims while continuing investigations. Reports also suggest that the same group was involved in the attack on police personnel in Anantnag on July 22.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges in the Kashmir Valley, particularly for migrant workers who travel from different parts of the country to earn their livelihood. The attack has triggered fresh calls for stronger security measures to safeguard civilians and prevent further acts of terror.
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