Shot at point blank range, 2 migrants had moved to Kashmir hoping to earn a little extra
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Saurabh Parashar, Jayprakash S Naidu
Two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a targeted terror attack at a brick kiln in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The victims, identified as Deepak Ratrey and Bhupendra Bhaina, were shot at point-blank range after being questioned by the attackers.
The Kulgam Tragedy: Targeted Violence Against Migrant Laborers
In a harrowing incident that highlights the persistent security challenges in the Kashmir Valley, two migrant laborers from Chhattisgarh, identified as Deepak Ratrey and Bhupendra Bhaina, were killed in a terror attack on Friday night. The victims were working at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Kulgam, South Kashmir, when they were accosted by armed assailants.
The Sequence of Events
According to reports, the attackers reportedly questioned the laborers about their caste and community identity before opening fire on them at point-blank range. Deepak Ratrey tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Bhupendra Bhaina was rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag and subsequently referred to SKIMS Hospital in Soura, where he ultimately passed away. This sequence of events mirrors previous patterns of targeted violence against non-local workers, which remains a significant concern for regional stability.
Socio-Economic Vulnerability of Migrant Workers
Bhupendra Bhaina and his colleague had traveled to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir only months prior, driven by the aspiration to secure a better livelihood for their families. Bhupendra, who leaves behind a young wife and a three-year-old son, represents a broader demographic of laborers who migrate across India to support their families. The loss of these workers not only devastates their immediate kin—as expressed by Bhupendra’s brother, Anurag—but also highlights the extreme vulnerability of migrant workers in conflict-prone areas.
Broader Security Implications
This incident is not isolated; it echoes survivor accounts from past attacks, such as those in Pahalgam, suggesting a calculated strategy by militant groups to target non-local workers. By interrogating victims about their identity before the assault, the perpetrators aim to create an atmosphere of fear and communal tension. These tactical choices indicate a shift toward targeting soft targets, which complicates the security landscape for the administration in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Path Forward and Official Response
Authorities are currently coordinating the transport of the victims' remains back to Chhattisgarh while arranging financial assistance for the bereaved families. As security forces conduct cordon-and-search operations in the Kelam area, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of militancy. The recurring nature of such attacks necessitates a robust reassessment of protective measures for migrant laborers who are essential to the local economy, particularly in industries like brick kilns and construction.
Multiple Citing Sources