No local muerto, otro herido en el ataque terrorista de Kulgam en J&K: Policía

Two non-local workers were killed and injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Kulgam, south Kashmir, on Friday, July 31, 2026. According to police, the attack occurred in the Kellam area of Kulgam district, where the victims were working at a brick kiln. One of the victims died at the scene, while the other was hospitalized for treatment. This marks the second such attack in south Kashmir within two weeks, raising concerns about rising tensions in the region. The attack happened in the evening, with witnesses reporting that the assailants struck after dark, allowing them to escape undetected. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation to locate the perpetrators. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers targeted the non-local workers specifically, exploiting the vulnerability of laborers who often work in remote locations. According to a senior police official, both victims were from Chhattisgarh and were employed at the brick kiln. The deceased, identified as Deepak, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other victim, Bhopinder, was taken to the Government Medical College in Anantnag for advanced treatment. The police confirmed that the injured worker is receiving medical attention and is in stable condition. The attack follows another incident on July 22, when terrorists shot dead a police officer stationed along the Amarnath yatra route in Anantnag. That attack led to a large-scale security operation, during which thousands of suspects were detained and several properties linked to active terrorists were destroyed. Despite these measures, the recent attacks indicate that the threat level remains high in south Kashmir. Regional political leaders have strongly condemned the latest attack. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed deep concern over the incident and assured that security forces would intensify their efforts to apprehend the culprits. In a statement, he emphasized the need to protect the lives of non-local workers who contribute significantly to the economy of the region. Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, called the attack "unimaginably cruel," highlighting the plight of workers who travel far from home to support their families. She urged authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for such violent acts. Similarly, Altaf Bukhari, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, described the incident as "deeply tragic and inhuman," expressing solidarity with the affected families and demanding justice for the victims. The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson, Altaf Thakur, labeled the attack as "cowardly, barbaric, and inhuman," emphasizing that such actions undermine the values of peace and hospitality associated with the region. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the police to identify and punish all those involved. The attack has reignited discussions about the safety of migrant laborers in the region. Over the past few years, similar incidents have occurred, including the killing of a non-local vendor in Anantnag in 2024 and the deaths of several migrant workers in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. These attacks highlight the persistent challenges faced by non-local workers in the region, despite increased security measures. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, with hopes of identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Meanwhile, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining stability in the region. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among security forces and local communities to prevent further violence.