Two Migrant Workers From Chhattisgarh Killed in Kashmir's Kulgam, Search Underway

Two migrant workers were killed in a shooting attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening, police said. The incident took place at Kellam village, where unidentified gunmen fired at the two men, both residents of Chhattisgarh.

Police identified the deceased as Deepak and Bhupender, both from Chhattisgarh. One of them died at the spot, while the other succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

A cordon and search operation has been launched in the area to trace the attackers. Police have described the incident as a terrorist attack, though no group has claimed responsibility so far.

This is the second targeted killing in the region within ten days. Last week, a policeman was killed in a similar attack in Anantnag district. Following that incident, police launched a major crackdown across Kashmir, detaining more than 3,000 people described as suspects.

The mass detention has drawn concern from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who warned that such a sweeping action might worsen the security situation rather than improve it. His remarks reflect growing worries about the impact of broad-based arrests on local communities and the overall law and order scenario.

The latest attack comes at a time when the annual Amarnath Yatra is underway. The pilgrimage, which draws thousands of devotees to the region, is a high-security event. Authorities have already deployed 670 additional companies of paramilitary forces to supplement the existing security grid in Kashmir.

The killings have raised fresh questions about the safety of migrant workers in the region. Many workers from different parts of India come to Kashmir for employment in various sectors, including agriculture and construction. Local administrations have often assured protective measures for them.

Police have urged people to remain calm and have appealed to the public to share any information about the attackers. Investigations are ongoing.