Migrant Worker Killed in Kashmir; Experts Suspect Link to PoK Unrest

A migrant worker was killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the Kellam area of South Kashmir's Kulgam district, according to officials. The attack occurred shortly after sundown, and the assailants managed to flee under the cover of darkness, triggering a massive search operation by security forces.

The injured worker has been hospitalised, and preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF), a group believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting searches to track down the attackers.

This incident marks the first attack targeting migrant workers in South Kashmir in four years and the second targeted killing in the Valley since July 22, when a policeman was killed at point-blank range along the Amarnath Yatra route in Anantnag.

The latest violence comes at a time when Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing widespread protests. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur over the past several days, demanding relief from inflation, power cuts, and what they call military repression. The demonstrators have also raised slogans of "Azadi," reflecting growing public anger in the region.

The protests have been described as one of the largest in years, with demonstrators clashing with security forces in some areas. Local reports indicate that internet services have been suspended in parts of the region, and authorities have imposed restrictions on public gatherings. International observers have called for restraint.

Security and intelligence experts believe the attack may be a deliberate attempt by Pakistan to divert attention from the unrest in PoK and create a sense of fear in Jammu and Kashmir. "By carrying out attacks in Kashmir, they are trying to divert attention from PoK towards India, creating an atmosphere of fear in Jammu and Kashmir through such killings," said SP Vaid, a former Director General of Police.

Vaid added, "Pakistan cannot digest peace and normalcy in Kashmir. That is why they are once again pushing their terror proxies to target innocent, unarmed civilians."

The attack comes at a time when Kashmir has experienced a significant improvement in normalcy. The Amarnath Yatra, which was recently concluded, saw a record number of pilgrims, and hotels across the Valley have reported full occupancy, indicating a strong rebound in tourism after earlier disruptions.

TRF is a lesser-known group that has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Kashmir in recent years. It is believed to operate under the umbrella of Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by India, the United Nations, and several other countries. The group has often targeted civilians and security forces in an effort to disrupt peace.

In response to the Kulgam attack, security has been substantially enhanced across South Kashmir, especially along the Yatra routes and in areas where migrant workers and other individuals are considered vulnerable. Officials say the search operation is continuing.

The attack has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the Valley. While normalcy has returned to many parts of Kashmir, experts caution that groups with external backing continue to pose a threat. The authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security forces.