Terrorists launched an attack on two migrant workers in the Kellam area of Kulgam district, South Kashmir, on Friday evening, leading to the death of one worker and serious injuries to another, according to reports from Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The attackers targeted the two laborers while they were working, prompting immediate medical assistance. Both were hurriedly transported to a nearby hospital, where one succumbed to his injuries, while the other was referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for advanced care.
In response to the attack, security forces quickly cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation aiming to locate the assailants. As the situation unfolded, the identities of the victims remained undisclosed, and authorities had not yet provided details about the nature of the attack, the weapons utilized, or any potential claims of responsibility.
The police confirmed the incident, stating through Asian News International (ANI) that “one non-local worker was killed and another injured.” The prompt response by security forces resulted in the area being sealed off, with ongoing intensive search operations launched to apprehend those responsible.
This attack highlights a troubling pattern of targeted violence against non-local laborers and migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in districts like Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag. Many of these workers hail from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab, playing vital roles in various sectors, including agriculture and construction.
Historically, such attacks have aimed to instill fear, impede economic activity, and dissuade outsiders from seeking employment in the region. Notably, there was the 2019 Kulgam massacre, where five migrant laborers from West Bengal were murdered, underscoring the dangers faced by non-local workers.
The frequency of these attacks has escalated since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, with groups linked to organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen frequently targeting civilians, including migrant workers and political figures.
The security situation in South Kashmir has been precarious, especially following a targeted attack on a police head constable in Anantnag on July 22, 2026. Security protocols in Kulgam had been heightened in light of that incident, with multiple checkpoints and search operations deployed along critical routes, including the National Highway.
As of the latest updates, one migrant laborer has died, while the second remains in serious condition at GMC Anantnag. No information regarding the identities of the victims has been released, and security forces are continuing their cordon-and-search operations in Kellam. There have been no reported arrests linked to this particular attack so far.
Authorities are urging caution against the dissemination of unverified information related to the incident as investigations and operations progress. Further updates from police and hospital representatives are anticipated in the coming days, alongside a review of security measures for non-local workers in the affected district. This incident continues to evolve, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges of civilian safety in the region.
