Kumar Bahukhandi
Army jawans cordon off area after terrorists shot dead two non local workers in Kilam area of south kashmir Kulgam district 70 kms from Srinagar, Saturday, August 01, 2026.-| Photo Credit: Imran Nissar
In Short
- Two workers from Chhattisgarh killed in a targeted terror attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Injured labourer Bhopendra succumbed to bullet injuries in a Srinagar hospital, taking the death toll to two.
- Deepak, also from Chhattisgarh, was killed in the attack on Friday.
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announces ex gratia assistance for the families of both victims.
- State Government assures every possible support and coordination for the victims’ families.
- Security forces intensify search operations; security strengthened for the Amarnath Yatra.
- J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha orders intensified operations against the attackers.
Death toll rises to two as injured worker Bhopendra succumbs; Chief Minister condemns attack, assures all possible support to bereaved families
J& K / Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday August 1, 2026 announced ex gratia assistance for the families of the two workers from the state who lost their lives in the targeted terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
The announcement came after Bhopendra, who had sustained critical bullet injuries in Friday evening’s attack, succumbed to his injuries at a Srinagar hospital. Another worker from Chhattisgarh, Deepak, had died on the spot when suspected terrorists opened fire on non-local labourers working at a brick kiln in Kulgam’s Kelam area.
Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives, Chief Minister Sai condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“The death of two young workers from Chhattisgarh in this cowardly terror attack is deeply painful. The State Government stands firmly with their families in this difficult hour and will extend every possible assistance,” the Chief Minister said.
Ex Gratia Announced for Bereaved Families
The Chief Minister announced ex gratia for the next of kin of both victims and directed officials to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to facilitate all necessary support, including the transportation of the mortal remains to their native places.
“Every possible help will be provided to the families. We are in constant touch with the concerned authorities to ensure all necessary arrangements are made without delay,” Sai said.
Attack on Chhattisgarh Workers
According to officials, suspected terrorists opened fire on a group of migrant labourers employed at a brick kiln in Kelam area of Kulgam on Friday evening before escaping under the cover of darkness.
Bhopendra suffered bullet injuries to the chest and was rushed to a Srinagar hospital, where he succumbed during treatment on Saturday. The attack had earlier claimed the life of Deepak, also a resident of Chhattisgarh.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the safety of migrant workers employed in conflict-prone areas.
Security Operations Intensified
Following the attack, security forces launched extensive search operations across south Kashmir to trace the attackers. Security has also been strengthened along the routes of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and directed security forces to intensify anti-terror operations.
“The security forces have been directed to step up operations and eliminate the terrorists responsible for this brutal attack,” the Lieutenant Governor said, while assuring full support to the victims’ families.
The killing of the two Chhattisgarh workers has cast a shadow of grief across the state, with political leaders and citizens expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and demanding stringent action against those responsible.
