Kulgam Witnesses Fresh Terror Attack as Two Chhattisgarh Labourers Are Killed

Kulgam witnessed another terror incident on Friday evening after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln, killing two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh. The attack, which targeted non-local workers in Kulgam, has prompted a large-scale search operation by security forces and drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders.

According to officials, the incident took place at a brick kiln in Kellam, Kulgam, where the labourers were working when armed terrorists opened fire before escaping from the scene. The victims were identified as Deepak and Bhopinder, both residents of Chhattisgarh.

Deepak died on the spot, while Bhopinder sustained critical injuries. He was first taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

Security Forces Launch Massive Operation in Kulgam

Soon after the attack, security personnel reached Kulgam, cordoned off the area and launched an extensive search operation to trace the terrorists involved. Officials said the investigation is underway, and additional forces have been deployed to strengthen security in the area.

Authorities said The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. The outfit has also claimed responsibility for several recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the July 22 attack in Anantnag that killed a police officer and the Pahalgam terror attack last year.

The latest incident has once again put the spotlight on the security situation in Kulgam, particularly the safety of migrant workers employed across the district.

Kulgam Attack Condemned by LG Manoj Sinha and Political Leaders

Reacting to the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and said he had spoken to Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior security officials.

In a post on X, Sinha said:

“I strongly condemn this cowardly act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists.”

He added that security agencies have intensified operations in Kulgam and are working to ensure those responsible are brought to justice at the earliest.

Several political leaders also condemned the killings. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti described the attack as “unimaginably cruel,” saying the labourers had travelled far from their homes only to earn a livelihood for their families.

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari termed the incident “tragic and inhuman” and called for strict action against those behind the attack. The People’s Conference also denounced the killing of innocent civilians and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges in Kulgam and other parts of south Kashmir. Security forces continue to conduct searches in the district as efforts remain underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.