Srinagar: The death toll in the terrorist attack on migrant labourers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district has risen to two after the second injured worker succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials said on Saturday.
The attack took place late Friday evening at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir, where unidentified terrorists opened fire on two labourers employed at the site.
One of the victims, Deepak Ratray, died before he could be shifted to a hospital. The second worker, identified as Bopinder, was initially admitted to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag before being referred to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to officials, both victims were in their twenties and hailed from Chhattisgarh. Security forces have launched a search operation in the area to trace those responsible for the attack, while further investigation into the incident is underway.
The latest incident comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of non-local workers in the Valley. Less than two weeks ago, terrorists allegedly shot dead a police officer in Anantnag, highlighting continuing security challenges in the region.
The attack also revives memories of previous assaults on migrant workers. In February 2024, two labourers from Punjab—Amritpal Singh and Rohit Masih—were killed after terrorists opened fire on them in Srinagar’s Shaheed Gunj area.
Authorities have condemned the latest attack and stepped up security measures as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those involved.
