J&K CM announces ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for families of two labourers killed in Kulgam terror attack
Srinagar, August 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹10 lakh each for the families of two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh who were killed in a terror attack in Kulgam district a day earlier. The amount will be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, in addition to the immediate assistance of ₹6 lakh each announced by the district administration.
The Chief Minister strongly condemned the attack and expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives. In a post on X, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "He announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased. This will be in addition to the immediate assistance of Rs 6 lakh each to be provided by the district administration."
The CMO further added, "Mr. Abdullah also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed that the government stood firmly with them during this difficult time."
The victims were identified as Deepak Ratray and Bopinder, both in their 20s. They were killed in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district late on Friday evening, July 31, 2026. According to officials, Ratray succumbed to his injuries before he could be taken to a hospital. Bopinder was initially taken to GMC Anantnag and later referred to the SKIMS Hospital in Soura, where he died during treatment.
Both men were migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh, a state in central India. They were among many workers from other states employed at brick kilns and other construction sites in Kashmir, a common practice in the region. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of such workers, though authorities have not provided further details about the incident.
The district administration had already announced an immediate assistance of ₹6 lakh for the families of each deceased, and the Chief Minister's additional ex-gratia brings the total compensation to ₹16 lakh per family. The government has assured full support to the next of kin during this difficult period.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks in the Kashmir Valley that have targeted both locals and migrant workers. The government has consistently condemned such acts of violence and has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. Further details about the investigation are awaited, as authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the attack.
