Kulgam Terror Attack: Two Chhattisgarh Migrant Workers Killed After Gunmen Open Fire at Brick Kiln in Jammu and Kashmir
A Kulgam terror attack claimed the lives of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh after unidentified terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday evening. Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the area as authorities investigate what appears to be another targeted attack on non-local workers in the Valley.
According to officials, the incident took place at a brick kiln in Kellam village of south Kashmir, where the victims were employed. The attackers reportedly opened fire without warning before fleeing the scene, leaving the workers critically injured.
One of the labourers, identified as Deepak, died at the spot. The second victim, Bhupender, was rushed to a nearby hospital before being shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, due to the seriousness of his injuries. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries early on Saturday.
The two men were residents of Chhattisgarh and had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir for seasonal employment. Like thousands of migrant labourers who work across the Valley each year, they were engaged in brick kiln operations to earn a livelihood for their families.
The latest attack has once again raised concerns over the safety of migrant workers working in the Union Territory. In recent years, terrorists have occasionally targeted civilians from outside Jammu and Kashmir in an apparent attempt to spread fear and disrupt normal economic activity.
Soon after the firing, police and security personnel reached the spot, secured the area and began an extensive cordon-and-search operation to locate those responsible. Officials said additional forces were deployed and surveillance was intensified in and around the district as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not announced any arrests so far, and the search operation continued through the night into Saturday.
According to security officials, The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy outfit linked to the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security agencies continue to verify the claim as part of their investigation.
The incident comes at a time when security forces remain on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir. The Valley has witnessed several targeted attacks in recent months, including the killing of a police officer in Anantnag less than two weeks ago. Those incidents have prompted intensified anti-terror operations and increased surveillance across sensitive areas.
The latest shooting has also occurred during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s largest annual religious pilgrimages. Security arrangements for the pilgrimage had already been strengthened with additional deployments of police, paramilitary personnel and surveillance systems to safeguard pilgrims and local residents.
Following news of the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killings, describing them as a cowardly act of terrorism. He said he had spoken with senior police officials and directed security agencies to intensify operations against those responsible.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that every effort would be made to identify and eliminate the perpetrators while ensuring justice for the victims’ families. He also expressed condolences over the loss of life and assured that security forces were actively pursuing the attackers.
Political leaders from across the region also condemned the incident.
Several parties described the attack as an assault on innocent civilians who had travelled far from their homes simply to earn a living. They urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and called for stronger measures to protect vulnerable workers employed in the Valley.
The attack has once again highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by thousands of migrant labourers who contribute to Kashmir’s economy in sectors such as construction, brick kilns, horticulture and infrastructure projects. While many have continued working despite security concerns, incidents like these create fear among workers and their families back home.
Security experts note that attacks on civilians are often intended to create panic and undermine public confidence. Such incidents also pose fresh challenges for law enforcement agencies attempting to maintain peace while ensuring the safety of residents, tourists and seasonal workers.
Officials have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information related to the incident as investigations continue. They have assured that further details will be shared once evidence is examined and the attackers are identified.
The killings have triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders and citizens alike, with renewed calls for stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks. As security forces continue their operation in Kulgam, investigators are expected to examine all possible leads in an effort to bring those behind the attack to justice.
