Terror has once again struck Jammu and Kashmir. Two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh lost their lives after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in Kelam village of Kulgam district, marking the first targeted attack on migrant workers in nearly two years.
According to police, the attackers opened fire late on Friday evening, killing Deepak Ratray on the spot while Bhupender succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Hospital on Saturday. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a massive search operation to track down the terrorists.
Reports Suggest Victims Were Chosen After Their Identity Was Verified
The attack has become even more disturbing following reports that the terrorists allegedly asked the workers about their names, caste and religion before separating two Hindu labourers and shooting them at close range. Similar claims have also been made by the victims’ family members, although the investigation is still underway and authorities are examining all aspects of the incident.
If confirmed, the attack would closely resemble the modus operandi seen during the Pahalgam terror attack, where civilians were allegedly identified before being targeted.
A Pattern That Cannot Be Ignored
This is the second terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in less than ten days and the first targeted attack on migrant workers in 21 months. It also revives memories of earlier attacks in which non-local workers were deliberately targeted to spread fear and discourage economic activity in the Valley.
Over the past several years, terrorists have repeatedly targeted civilians who have no role in the conflict. Labourers, pilgrims and ordinary citizens have increasingly become soft targets because such attacks generate fear far beyond the immediate crime scene.
Security Forces Launch Massive Hunt
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and directed security forces to intensify operations against those responsible. The area has been sealed, and search operations are continuing.
Investigators are also probing the role of local terror associates and the possible involvement of Pakistan-backed terror networks, which have historically used proxy outfits to sustain violence in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation remains ongoing.
But Terrorists Often Choose Their Victims
The two labourers had travelled hundreds of kilometres from Chhattisgarh to earn an honest living and support their families. Instead, they became victims of an act of terror that appears to have deliberately targeted innocent civilians.
If the reports that the victims were identified before being shot are established during the investigation, it would once again expose the communal nature of such terror attacks. Terrorism thrives by creating fear, division and insecurity among ordinary people.
The incident underlines the urgent necessity of dismantling terror networks that exploit soft targets and leverage religious identity to conduct target killings.