Kulgam Attack: Chhattisgarh Announces ₹20 Lakh Aid for Families of Slain Workers

The Chhattisgarh government on Saturday announced an ex gratia of ₹20 lakh each for the families of two migrant workers from the state who were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. The announcement came a day after the incident, which has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum.

The deceased have been identified as Deepak Ratre, a resident of Sakti district, and Bhupendra Bhaina from Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district. Both were in their 20s and were employed at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district. They were fired upon late on Friday evening, July 31, 2026, by unidentified gunmen, officials said.

Condemning the attack, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the targeting of innocent civilians as a crime against humanity and said such acts of terror have no place in a civilised society. "The Chhattisgarh government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief," he said while announcing the financial assistance.

Mr. Sai said he has directed senior state officials to coordinate with their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir immediately after receiving information about the incident to ensure necessary assistance. He added that a nodal officer will be appointed by the Chhattisgarh government to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and oversee the process of extending all possible support to the affected families.

The attack has once again highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers in the Kashmir Valley, who often move from states like Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh for seasonal employment in brick kilns, orchards, and construction sites. Over the years, there have been several instances of terrorists targeting non-local workers in the region, leading to heightened security concerns.

Jammu and Kashmir police have launched an investigation into the incident, and a search operation is underway in the surrounding areas to trace the attackers. Security forces have been deployed in the region to prevent any further incidents, officials said.

The announcement from the Chhattisgarh government is part of its policy to provide immediate relief to families of workers who die in tragic circumstances. The state has also promised to transport the mortal remains of the victims to their native places and provide all necessary support for their last rites and other formalities.

Political leaders, including Members of Parliament from Chhattisgarh, have expressed grief over the loss of lives and have urged the central government to ensure swift justice in the case. Some leaders have also called for enhanced security measures for migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir, a demand that has been raised periodically in state assemblies and Parliament.

The incident comes amid a broader debate on the security situation in the Union Territory, with official data indicating a fluctuating pattern of terrorist violence in recent years. While the administration maintains that its counter-insurgency operations have curtailed major attacks, incidents of this nature continue to raise questions about the safety of civilian populations, particularly migrant labourers.

Meanwhile, relatives of the two deceased workers in Chhattisgarh have been informed, and the state government has set up help desks in Sakti and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh districts to assist them in receiving the ex gratia amount and completing necessary documentation. Senior bureaucrats have been asked to ensure that the relief reaches the families without undue delay.

As the investigation continues, authorities have appealed to locals to remain calm and cooperate with security forces. The administration has also urged employers of migrant workers in the Union Territory to take necessary precautions and report any suspicious activity to the police.