Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday condemned the killing of two migrant labourers in the Kulgam terror attack, calling the incident a “dastardly” and “senseless” act of violence. He also announced an ex gratia assistance of ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of each victim.
In a statement shared on X, the Chief Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s support during this difficult time.
“The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed that the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time,” the statement said.
Second Injured Labourer Succumbs to Injuries
The attack took place on Friday evening in the Kellam area of Kulgam district, where terrorists opened fire on two non-local labourers from Chhattisgarh.
One worker died at the scene, while the second, who had been admitted to hospital with critical injuries, later succumbed during treatment at SKIMS Hospital. Both victims were reportedly in their twenties and had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir for work.
Leaders Across Political Spectrum Condemn Attack
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary strongly criticised the incident, questioning the continued occurrence of terror attacks despite repeated assurances that militancy had been curbed.
“It is deeply saddening. Similar incidents happened earlier in Pahalgam and Anantnag, and now two migrant labourers who had come to earn a living have been killed. We have reached a point where we are tired of repeatedly condemning such attacks. Article 370 was revoked, and the state was downgraded to a Union Territory on the promise that terrorism would end. Six years later, if killings are still taking place…” he said.
LG Orders Intensified Anti-Terror Operations
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack and directed security agencies to intensify operations against those responsible.
“I spoke with the DGP, Shri Nalin Prabhat and top security officials following the brutal terrorist attack in Kulgam in which a labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed. I strongly condemn this cowardly act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists,” Sinha said.
He added, “J&K Police and Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Another injured labourer from Chhattisgarh has been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and I am praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. J&K administration and the entire nation stand with the families.”
TRF Claims Responsibility
According to reports, The Resistance Front (TRF), which is regarded as a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Messages circulated on social media allegedly by the group warned of further attacks targeting non-local residents and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel. Security agencies are verifying the claim while continuing search operations in the area.
