Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday condemned the killing of two labourers in a terror attack in Kulgam district and announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the victims. The financial assistance will be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and is in addition to the immediate relief of Rs 6 lakh each being extended by the district administration. The Chief Minister also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and assured the bereaved families of the government's full support.

In a statement shared by the Chief Minister's Office on X, Abdullah described the attack as a "dastardly" act and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. The statement said the government stands firmly with the victims' families during this difficult time and reiterated its commitment to providing all possible assistance. The announcement came a day after terrorists targeted two non-local labourers working at a brick kiln in Kellam village of Kulgam district.

According to officials, the victims, identified as Deepak and Bopinder, were workers from Chhattisgarh. They sustained critical injuries after terrorists opened fire on them on Friday evening. Both were initially taken to the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag, where Deepak succumbed to his injuries. Bopinder was later shifted to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar for advanced treatment but died on Saturday morning despite medical efforts.

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The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, religious organisations and civil society across Jammu and Kashmir. It comes less than two weeks after terrorists shot dead Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag while he was deployed on duty for the annual Amarnath Yatra. The latest incident has once again raised concerns over the security of non-local workers employed in the Valley.

Security agencies said terrorists have increasingly targeted unarmed civilians, including migrant labourers, roadside vendors and drivers, in an apparent attempt to spread fear and disrupt normalcy in the region. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have intensified surveillance and security arrangements around transit camps and work sites housing non-local labourers. Investigations into the Kulgam attack are underway as security personnel continue search operations to trace those responsible.

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