Second Migrant Worker From Chhattisgarh Injured In Kulgam Terror Attack Succumbs to Injuries, Search Ops Underway

New Delhi: In a devastating news, the second non-local worker, who was critically injured in Friday evening's terrorist attack in the Kellam area of South Kashmir's Kulgam district, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning, officials said.

According to officials, the victim had been undergoing treatment at a local hospital for advanced medical care after terrorists opened fire on non-local labourers yesterday. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he passed away early this morning. 

With this, the death toll in the Friday attack has risen to two. The deceased have been identified as Deepak Rattray (24) and Bopinder (28), both residents of Chhattisgarh.

How security acted?

Officials stated that following the incident, law enforcement and security forces swiftly secured the scene following the incident, and a search operation has been initiated to locate and apprehend the attackers. 

A case has been registered and investigations are underway, they added.

Ops intensified across valley

Officials added that security measures have been stepped up across the valley, and operations have been intensified to capture those responsible for the recent attack.

In addition,  Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kulgam district that killed a labourer from Chhattisgarh and said he has directed security forces to intensify operations and eliminate the terrorists responsible for the attack.

In a post on X, In a post on X, Sinha said he spoke with DGP Nalin Prabhat and top security officials following the attack and directed security forces to step up their operations.

"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," he said.

Notably, this marks the second major terror incident in the Valley within the past 10 days, following the fatal shooting of a Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable in Anantnag town on July 22.

How political parties reacted

Political leaders across various parties united in condemning the attack. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called the killing of the laborers "unimaginably cruel," noting they had left their homes simply to earn a living. 

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari labeled the assault "tragic and inhuman," demanding justice for the perpetrators while expressing solidarity and praying for the injured worker's recovery. 

Similarly, the People's Conference denounced the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians as "utterly reprehensible" and offered condolences to the victim's family alongside wishes for a speedy recovery.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed deep grief over the death of a labourer from the state and injuries to another in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.
The Chief Minister condemned the incident, terming the attack "cowardly" and "heartbreaking."

Extending his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Chief Minister wrote, "Humble tribute to the deceased labourer and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured labourer."