Terrorists struck Kulgam district in South Kashmir on Friday, 31 July, shooting two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh working at a local brick kiln. One worker died on the spot, while another was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, prompting security forces to launch a massive hunt across the area.

The fatal shooting took place in Kellam village, adding to a string of targeted attacks against security personnel and non-local workers in the Kashmir Valley.

Targeted Assault In Kellam Village

The attack unfolded when armed assailants opened fire on the two non-local workers inside the brick kiln premises. Officials identified the deceased worker as Deepak, hailing from Chhattisgarh, who died immediately due to bullet injuries.

The second victim, identified as Bhupinder, also a native of Chhattisgarh, sustained grave gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed him to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in neighbouring Anantnag, where doctors continue attempts to revive him.

Security Forces Launch Search Operations; LG Manoj Sinha Demands Action

Following the shooting, joint teams of the Jammu & Kashmir Police and security forces cordoned off Kellam village and surrounding pockets to track down the fleeing attackers.

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack, confirming he spoke with Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat to review the situation. Sinha instructed security agencies to intensify counter-terror operations to eliminate those responsible.

"I strongly condemn this cowardly act," LG Sinha said in a statement on X. "I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists. J&K Police and Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to bring the perpetrators to justice."

Escalating Attacks In South Kashmir

The killing in Kulgam comes amid heightened vigilance across the Kashmir Valley. Security forces have been on high alert following a series of terror incidents, including the recent killing of J&K Armed Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was targeted while on Amarnath Yatra deployment duty in Anantnag town. Search operations in the Kellam sector remain ongoing.