Two Chhattisgarh Workers Killed in Terror Attack at J&K Brick Kiln
Two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a terror attack at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening, according to officials. The deceased have been identified as Deepak Ratre (24) and Bhupendra Bhaina (28), both residents of different districts in Chhattisgarh.
The incident took place in the Kelam area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, where the two men were employed. The attack has plunged their families in Chhattisgarh into deep grief.
Deepak Ratre, a resident of Bundeli village in Sakti district, had moved to Kashmir around eight months ago with his wife in search of work. His uncle, Haldhar Ratre, said Deepak was the sole earner for his family, which includes his elderly mother, a physically disabled brother, his wife, and a four-month-old son. "His father had died earlier. With Deepak gone, there is no one left to earn a livelihood for the family," Haldhar said, adding that he had spoken to the district administration, which was making efforts to bring his nephew's remains back to the village.
The other victim, Bhupendra Bhaina, was a resident of Chhuiya village in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district. He had left for Kashmir three months ago with his wife, leaving his four-year-old son in the care of his grandmother and younger sister. His parents and brother were working as labourers in Himachal Pradesh. Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Superintendent of Police Sunil Sharma said officers reached Bhupendra's home around 2 am on Saturday to inform the family. However, given the sensitive hour, the police chose not to alert his elderly grandmother and young sister immediately, instead contacting his father in Himachal Pradesh.
The local administration is coordinating with the police and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure the remains of both workers are transported to their native villages, officials said. The families have also sought assistance from the authorities.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the deaths and condemned the killings as a "cowardly terror attack". He said necessary instructions had been issued to officials and assured that the state government stood firmly with the bereaved families and would extend all possible assistance.
Migrant workers from Chhattisgarh and other states frequently travel to Jammu and Kashmir for work at brick kilns, which are common in the region. The killing of civilians in such attacks has been a concern for authorities, who have maintained a security presence in the area. Investigations into Friday's attack are underway, and no group has claimed responsibility so far.
In the affected villages, relatives and neighbours gathered at the homes of the victims, with many expressing shock and demanding safety for migrant workers. Both districts have been placed on alert, and officials have been instructed to monitor the situation and provide all necessary support to the grieving families.
