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The second labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was injured in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, succumbed to his injuries,
officials said on Saturday, as security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. The assailants targeted two labourers at the brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir late on Friday evening. One of the injured, identified as Deepak Ratray, succumbed to his injuries before he could be taken to a hospital, while the other, Bopinder, was first taken to GMC Anantnag and later referred to SKIMS Hospital in Soura, where he died during treatment. The workers were both in their twenties and hailed from Chhattisgarh.
Security Forces Launch Search Operation
Security forces on Saturday launched a fresh search operation in the area. Security personnel have cordoned off the location to track down the attackers.
The attack follows closely on the heels of another incident less than 10 days ago, in which terrorists allegedly shot and killed a police officer in Anantnag town.
Before this, two labourers were killed here in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.
On February 7, 2024, two non-local workers from Punjab, Amritpal Singh and Rohit Masih, were shot dead by a terrorist in the Shaheed Gunj area of Srinagar.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah Announces Rs 10 Lakh Ex Gratia
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each for the kin of two migrant labourers. Abdullah also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed that the government stood firmly with them during this difficult time. The amount is in addition to the immediate assistance of Rs 6 lakh each announced by the district administration.
"The chief minister has strongly condemned the dastardly killing of two labourers in Kulgam and expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives. He announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased. This will be in addition to the immediate assistance of Rs 6 lakh each to be provided by the district administration," the chief minister’s office (CMO) said in a post on X.
LG Manoj Sinha Chairs Security Review, Orders SOP Overhaul To Protect Migrant Labourers
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level security review meeting, directing all Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to conduct a comprehensive review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place to protect labourers from outside Jammu and Kashmir.
He also instructed that employers ensure all workers from other states and Union Territories are provided insurance and that their details are registered with local police and district authorities. "We must intensify precise, high-impact anti-terror operations to neutralise the terrorists," Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed authorities to ensure dignified last rites for the victims of the Kulgam terror attack and extend all possible support to the bereaved families. The meeting also reviewed security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra and discussed measures to strengthen the overall security grid in the region.
