Two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh have been killed in a terror attack in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces have launched an intensive search operation after suspected terrorists opened fire on non-local workers at a brick kiln on Friday evening. The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of migrant workers in the Valley and triggered a major security response.
What happened in Kulgam
The incident took place around 8:20–8:30 pm on Friday in the Kelam (Kilam) area of Kulgam. Suspected militants arrived at a brick kiln and opened fire on a group of non-local workers. One worker, identified as Deepak, died on the spot. Another, Bhopendra (also reported as Bhopinder), sustained serious chest injuries. Doctors rushed him to a hospital in Srinagar. He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The death toll rose to two.
Both victims were from Chhattisgarh and worked at the kiln. Police and local officials said the attackers fired several rounds before fleeing. Preliminary investigations point to a targeted assault on non-local labourers.
Security forces launch massive search
Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area. They began combing operations in and around Kelam village. Additional deployments have moved into south Kashmir. Teams are checking hideouts, forests and possible escape routes used by the gunmen.
A senior police officer told media that the motive appears to be intimidation of migrant workers. Militant groups have used this tactic in the past to create fear and disrupt normal economic activity.
Lashkar-e-Taiba claims responsibility
According to national security correspondents, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has previously targeted non-local workers in Kashmir, especially labourers from other states. They aim to sow alarm and project an image of continued insurgent capability.
Local residents said the sound of gunfire drew people to the kiln. They found the two workers in a pool of blood. Villagers quickly alerted police, who arrived within minutes and shifted the victims for treatment.
Pattern of attacks on migrant workers
Kulgam has seen multiple terror incidents targeting civilians and migrant workers over the years. In 2019, five labourers from West Bengal were killed in a similar attack in the district. More recently, security forces have been engaged in a series of anti-terror operations in south Kashmir. Militants have tried to regroup despite sustained pressure from the Army and police.
The latest killings come amid ongoing encounters and cordon-and-search operations in parts of Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam. Intelligence agencies suspect the presence of foreign and local militants in these areas.
Political and security reaction
Jammu and Kashmir Police Inspector General V.K. Birdi confirmed that two non-local workers were targeted in Kilam village. He said the injured man was referred to Government Medical College, Anantnag, for advanced treatment before he later died.
Local leaders and worker associations have demanded stronger protection for migrant labourers. They especially want safety for those working in isolated sites such as brick kilns, farms and construction projects. They have also called for faster response mechanisms and better coordination between police, paramilitary forces and local communities.
What to watch next
- Outcome of the ongoing search and anti-terror operation in Kulgam
- More details on the attackers’ identity and possible links to LeT or other groups
- Any new security measures announced for protecting non-local workers in south Kashmir
- Political reactions from Delhi and Srinagar, and whether this incident fuels a wider debate on militancy and civilian safety in the Valley
For now, the focus remains on tracking down the assailants and preventing further attacks on vulnerable civilian targets in the region.
