Rahul Gandhi Condemns Kulgam Terror Attack, Seeks Tough Punishment
Congress leader seeks strict action against terror attack perpetrators.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district that claimed the lives of two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh. Describing the incident as "extremely tragic," Gandhi called for the strictest possible action against those responsible and said the country remained united in its fight against terrorism. His remarks came as political leaders across party lines denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims' families.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators receive the harshest punishment under the law. He described the killing of innocent workers as a cowardly act of terror and reiterated that such attacks cannot weaken the nation's resolve against terrorism. His statement added to the growing chorus of condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum following the incident.
The attack occurred on Friday evening in Kellam village of Kulgam district, where terrorists opened fire on two brick kiln workers from Chhattisgarh. The victims, identified as Deepak and Bopinder, were critically injured and rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag. Deepak succumbed to his injuries on Friday night, while Bopinder was later shifted to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar, where he died on Saturday despite medical efforts.
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The killings have prompted widespread condemnation from political leaders, religious organisations and civil society groups. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, in addition to financial assistance being provided by the district administration. The government has also assured the families of all necessary support during this difficult period.
The latest attack comes less than two weeks after terrorists killed Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag while he was deployed on Amarnath Yatra security duty. Security agencies say terrorist groups have increasingly targeted unarmed civilians, including migrant labourers, roadside vendors and drivers, in an attempt to spread fear and disrupt normalcy in the Kashmir Valley. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have intensified surveillance around transit camps for non-local workers and strengthened security measures across vulnerable areas.
Also Read: Two Migrant Labourers Shot Dead In Kulgam, Farooq Abdullah And Mirwaiz Demand Justice
