Kulgam terror attack kills two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh as Mehbooba Mufti raises questions over security arrangements in Kashmir.
Two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a terror attack at a brick kiln in Kulgam, raising fresh security concerns in Kashmir. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called for an investigation and questioned how the attackers managed to strike despite heightened security during the Amarnath Yatra. Security agencies are investigating those responsible and possible links to recent targeted killings, while compensation has been announced for the victims’ families.
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Kulgam Terror Attack: Two Migrant Workers Killed as Mehbooba Mufti Questions Security Arrangements
A deadly terror attack in Kulgam has once again raised security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir after two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed at a brick kiln on Friday evening. The victims, identified as Deepak Ratrey and Bhupendra Bhaina, had travelled to Kashmir in search of work and were reportedly targeted while working in the Kelam area of south Kashmir.
PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti called for a thorough investigation into the incident, claiming that there appeared to have been a security lapse despite the heightened deployment of forces in the region during the Amarnath Yatra.
The latest Kashmir attack has also triggered a security operation, with agencies working to identify and track down those responsible.
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What Happened in the Kulgam Terror Attack?
According to officials, terrorists opened fire on two non-local workers at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Kulgam district on Friday evening before fleeing the scene.
Deepak Ratrey, a resident of Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, reportedly succumbed to his injuries before he could be taken to hospital. Bhupendra Bhaina, who belonged to Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, was critically injured and initially taken for treatment in Anantnag before being referred for further medical care. He later died from his injuries.
Security personnel reached the area soon after the firing, cordoned off the location and launched a search operation for the attackers.
The killings have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly because the victims were migrant labourers who had come to Kashmir simply to earn a livelihood.
Mehbooba Mufti Alleges a ‘Security Lapse’
Reacting to the Kulgam attack, Mehbooba Mufti questioned how armed attackers were able to target civilians despite the substantial security deployment currently in place.
She argued that the administration needs to examine whether there was a failure somewhere in the security arrangements, especially with personnel from the Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police deployed across the region during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
Mufti called for a proper investigation to establish how the attackers managed to reach the labourers and escape.
She also said that condemnation alone could not capture the tragedy faced by migrant workers who travel hundreds of kilometres away from their homes to support their families.
Victims Had Come to Kashmir to Earn a Living
Both victims were young migrant workers from Chhattisgarh employed at a brick kiln in Kulgam.
Deepak had reportedly moved to Jammu and Kashmir around a year earlier for work and was the main earning member of his family. His death has left behind his wife, young son and other dependent family members.
His relatives have appealed to the authorities for assistance in bringing his mortal remains back to Chhattisgarh and for financial support for the bereaved family.
The local administration in Chhattisgarh said it was coordinating with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to provide assistance to the victims’ families.
Family Makes Serious Claim About Attackers
Deepak’s family has alleged that the attackers asked the workers about their identity and community before firing at them.
His uncle told the media that this was what the family had learned about the circumstances surrounding the killing. However, this particular allegation had not been officially confirmed by investigating authorities at the time of the initial reports.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the killings and referred to reports that the labourers had been identified before being attacked.
The allegation has attracted additional attention because survivors of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack had also made claims that victims were questioned about their religion before being shot.
Security Agencies Probe Possible Lashkar Link
Security agencies are investigating possible links between the Kulgam terror attack and Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked operatives.
According to reports citing security officials, Lashkar commander Latif Bhat and an associate are among those suspected of involvement in recent targeted attacks in Kashmir. Investigators are also examining whether another alleged associate provided logistical support or conducted reconnaissance before the attacks.
These remain investigative assessments, and authorities are continuing efforts to establish exactly who planned and carried out the Kulgam killings.
Pistol Use Raises ‘Hybrid Terrorist’ Suspicion
Preliminary findings reported in connection with recent attacks suggest that a small-calibre firearm, possibly a pistol, may have been used rather than an assault rifle.
Security officials have reportedly been examining whether the attack followed a “shoot-and-scoot” pattern associated with locally supported militant networks, in which attackers strike quickly and attempt to disappear into civilian areas.
Investigators are also examining possible similarities between the Kulgam killings and the recent targeted shooting of a Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in Anantnag.
Second Targeted Attack Within Days
The Kashmir attack in Kulgam came less than ten days after Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable Ashiq Hussain was shot dead in Anantnag while deployed on Amarnath Yatra duty.
The proximity of the two incidents has increased concerns about targeted attacks against security personnel and non-local civilians.
Security agencies have intensified operations following the killings and are searching for the suspected attackers.
LG Manoj Sinha Orders Stronger Operations
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the killings and directed security forces to intensify operations against those responsible.
Following the attack, he spoke with senior police and security officials and said the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Political leaders across parties also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families.
Mehbooba Warns Against Harassment of Innocent Kashmiris
While demanding accountability over the security arrangements, Mehbooba Mufti also urged security agencies not to use the Kulgam attack as a reason to indiscriminately detain or question ordinary Kashmiris.
She claimed that large numbers of people had been questioned or detained following earlier attacks and stressed that innocent residents should not face harassment for crimes with which they have no connection.
According to Mufti, ordinary Kashmiris are themselves deeply disturbed by attacks on migrant workers because people from the Valley also travel across India for education, employment and business.
Compensation Announced for Victims’ Families
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the two workers killed in the attack.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also condemned the killings and directed officials to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir administration for the transportation of the victims’ bodies and assistance to their families.
Kulgam Attack Puts Focus Back on Civilian Security
The killing of two migrant workers has once again put the spotlight on the security of non-local labourers working across Kashmir.
For families that send their members hundreds of kilometres away in search of employment, incidents like the Kulgam terror attack carry consequences far beyond the immediate crime scene.
The investigation will now focus on identifying the attackers, determining whether the killings are connected to other recent targeted attacks and establishing whether any local logistical network assisted them.
As security operations continue, the biggest questions remain how the attackers managed to carry out the strike despite heightened security and what measures can prevent another attack on civilians.
Pulse by Anubhav will continue tracking developments related to the Kulgam Kashmir attack, the ongoing investigation and official updates from Jammu and Kashmir.
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FAQs About Kulgam Terror Attack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened in the Kulgam terror attack?
Two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Who were the victims of the Kulgam attack?
The victims were migrant workers from Chhattisgarh, identified in reports as Deepak Ratrey and Bhupendra Bhaina. They had travelled to Kashmir for employment.
What did Mehbooba Mufti say about the Kulgam attack?
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called for a proper investigation and claimed there appeared to have been a security lapse despite heightened deployment during the Amarnath Yatra.
Who is suspected in the Kulgam terror attack?
Reports citing security agencies said investigators were examining the possible involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked operatives, including commander Latif Bhat and associates. The investigation remains ongoing.
Why has the Kulgam Kashmir attack raised security concerns?
The attack raised concerns because unarmed migrant labourers were targeted amid heightened security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir.
Did the victims’ family make any allegations about the attackers?
Yes. A relative of one victim alleged that the attackers questioned the workers about their identity and community before firing. The claim had not been officially confirmed by authorities in the initial reports.
What action was taken after the Kulgam attack?
Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an operation to identify and locate those responsible for the killings.
Was compensation announced for the victims’ families?
Yes. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the two victims.