Terror returns to south Kashmir
In a cold-blooded terrorist strike late Friday evening, terrorists opened fire on two non-local brick kiln workers in the Kelam area of Kulgam district, killing one and critically injuring the other.
The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Deepak Ratray, a resident of Chhattisgarh. The injured labourer has been identified as 28-year-old Bhupendra, also a resident of Chhattisgarh. They both had come to the Valley in search of work.
I spoke with the DGP, Shri Nalin Prabhat and top security officials following the brutal terrorist attack in Kulgam in which a labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed. I strongly condemn this cowardly act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and…
— Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 31, 2026
The attack, which took place late evening, marks the second incident of targeted killing in south Kashmir within a span of 10 days.
On July 22, a Jammu and Kashmir policeman deployed on Amarnath Yatra duty was shot dead by terrorists in a surprise assault at Lal Chowk in neighbouring Anantnag district.
According to a senior J&K Police officer, the two labourers were working at a local brick kiln in Kelam when terrorists suddenly opened fire on them. Both sustained critical gunshot wounds and began bleeding heavily. They were immediately shifted to the Government Medical College, Anantnag. One of them succumbed to his injuries, while the second remains under treatment.
#WATCH | J&K | One nonlocal worker was killed and another injured after terrorists fired upon them in Kellam area of Kulgam district.
Visuals from the hospital in Anantnag, where the injured has been admitted. https://t.co/1LrDW5Tu42 pic.twitter.com/FnHO102BGJ
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2026
Security forces rushed to the spot within minutes of the attack. They cordoned off the entire locality and launched an intensive search operation to track down the perpetrators.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the “cowardly terrorist act.” In a post on X, he said he had spoken with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other top security officials immediately after the incident.“I strongly condemn this cowardly terrorist act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists,” the Lieutenant Governor stated. He confirmed that J&K Police and security forces have sealed the area and launched a focused operation to bring those responsible to justice.
Sinha also informed that the injured labourer from Chhattisgarh has been shifted to hospital for urgent medical care. Expressing his deepest sympathies, he said: “I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured labourer. The J&K Administration and the entire nation stand firmly with the affected families during this difficult time.”
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- Terrorists gun down migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam; second targeted killing in 10 days - July 31, 2026
- Kashmir crackdown intensifies: Over 2,000 detained, two LeT terrorists’ houses demolished after cop’s killing - July 23, 2026
- JKP cop on Amarnath Yatra duty killed by terrorists in Lal Chowk of Anantnag - July 22, 2026
