Srinagar, Jul 31: A non-local labourer was killed and another critically injured after unidentified terrorists opened fire on them at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.
The attack comes barely a week after Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was killed by terrorists in the Anantnag district on July 22.
A senior police officer said terrorists opened fire on two labourers working at a brick kiln in Kelam.
"One of the injured workers succumbed to his injuries, while the other was immediately shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for specialised treatment," the officer said.
Initial reports identified the slain as Deepak, while the injured worker was identified as Bhupender, both residents of Chhattisgarh.
Soon after the attack, senior police and security officials rushed to the spot. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a massive search operation to track down the attackers. Additional reinforcements were rushed to the area, while all entry and exit routes were placed under surveillance to prevent the assailants from escaping.
Officials said forensic teams examined the crime scene, while investigators collected evidence and other vital leads. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to establish the identity of the terrorists and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The body of the deceased was taken for medico-legal formalities before being handed over to the family, while the injured has been shifted to SKIMS Soura for specialised treatment.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the terrorist attack, directing security forces to intensify anti-terror operations and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Following the attack, the LG said he spoke to Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and other senior security officials to assess the situation and review the security response.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, "I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on civilians in Kulgam. I have spoken to DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat ji. I have directed the J&K Police and security forces to intensify anti-terror operations and ensure the terrorists involved in this despicable attack are brought to justice. Area has been cordoned off and search operation is underway. One injured has been shifted to the hospital for treatment. My deepest condolences to the family who lost their loved one. I pray for the early recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands firmly with the bereaved family."
The attack drew widespread condemnation from political leaders.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti described the attack as "unimaginably cruel".
"Unequivocally condemn the killing of two labourers from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam today. They work themselves to the bone far away from home only to feed their families. Unimaginably cruel to target them in such senseless acts of violence," Mehbooba said on X.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said the attack was tragic and inhuman.
"Shocked and grieved by the horrific attack that claimed the life of a non-local labourer and critically injured another in the Kilam area of Kulgam this evening. This is a deeply tragic and inhuman act of violence and terrorism. Such tragic incidents shake us all," Bukhari said on X.
He said those behind this heinous crime must be beasts to have attacked two innocent people who were here only to earn a livelihood for their families back home.
"I share in the grief of the families of the victims and pray that they find the strength to endure this unimaginable loss. I am sure the security agencies will soon nab the perpetrators so that they are brought to justice," Bukhari added.
The People's Conference said the party is deeply anguished by the tragic killing.
"The senseless targeting of innocent civilians is utterly reprehensible and stands in complete violation of the values of humanity, peace and compassion. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and stand with them in this hour of profound grief.
"We also pray for the swift and complete recovery of the injured worker," the party said.
Former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina described the killing as a cowardly and barbaric act of terror aimed at spreading fear among innocent civilians. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured worker. Raina urged the security forces to hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice at the earliest.
BJP J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur also strongly condemned the attack, terming it a "dastardly, cowardly and inhuman act" that deserved the strongest condemnation.
"The brutal killing of an innocent labourer who had come to Jammu and Kashmir to earn an honest livelihood is an attack on humanity and an attempt to spread fear among innocent people. Such barbaric acts have no place in a civilised society and must be condemned unequivocally," Thakur said.
He urged the police leadership and security agencies to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation to identify every terrorist involved in the attack.
"The perpetrators, their handlers and those providing them support must be tracked down without delay and given exemplary punishment under the law. Terrorists and their sympathisers must realise that such cowardly acts cannot derail peace or weaken the resolve of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
