J&K Terror Attack: One Labourer Killed, Another Injured in Kulgam Firing
At least one labourer was killed and another injured after suspected terrorists opened fire on a group of workers at a brick kiln in Kelam village of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday evening, officials said.
The attack took place late in the evening, with the assailants targeting labourers who had come from outside the valley for work. Two workers sustained bullet injuries, one of whom succumbed before he could be taken to a hospital. The other was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag for treatment, where his condition is stated to be stable.
Officials said the deceased was a native of a state outside Jammu and Kashmir, but his identity has not been officially released pending notification of family members. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
This is the second major incident of violence in south Kashmir in less than ten days. On July 22, a police officer was shot and killed by terrorists in Anantnag town. Police have not linked the two attacks, but the recent spate of violence has drawn condemnation from local political leaders and civil society groups.
Kulgam district, located in the southern part of the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed periodic violence in the past. In several instances, non-local workers have been targeted at isolated workplaces such as brick kilns, orchards, and construction sites. Such attacks have been widely criticised as attempts to create fear and disrupt economic activity in the region.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers. Additional troops have been deployed in the vicinity, and checkpoints have been set up at strategic locations. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and are investigating the incident.
Local administration has assured strict action against the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the injured labourer is under medical observation, and family members of the deceased have been informed.
This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.
