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Jammu And Kashmir terror attack, one police man killed
Srinagar: Security forces have launched a massive counter-terror operation across south Kashmir after two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a targeted terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Kulgam district. The incident has triggered a Valley-wide security alert, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir administration to tighten security for migrant workers, intensify intelligence-based operations and review existing security protocols.
The attack took place on Friday evening in the Kilam area of Kulgam, where Deepak Ratre, 24, and Bhupinder Bhaina, 25, both residents of Chhattisgarh, were employed at a brick kiln. According to preliminary investigation, an armed terrorist approached the workers outside their temporary accommodation, briefly interacted with them and then opened fire at close range. While Deepak died on the spot, Bhupinder suffered critical injuries and later succumbed during treatment at a Srinagar hospital.
The killings have become the first targeted attack on seasonal migrant labourers in Kashmir since October 2024 and the second major terror strike in the Valley within the past 10 days. The incident has also raised fresh concerns over the security situation during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
Immediately after the attack, joint teams of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) launched an extensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) across the Hablishi-Kilam belt and adjoining areas.
Armoured vehicles have been deployed, strategic checkpoints established and entry and exit routes sealed to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Area domination patrols, surveillance operations, vehicle checking, frisking and night patrols have also been significantly intensified across south, central and north Kashmir.
Security officials said the anti-terror operation will continue until every person involved in the attack is identified and neutralised. Investigators are examining forensic evidence, intelligence inputs, eyewitness accounts and digital leads, while online claims made by terror organisations are also being verified.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level security review meeting attended by senior officials from the Army, police, intelligence agencies and civil administration. He directed security agencies to launch precise, intelligence-driven and high-impact counter-terror operations against terrorist networks operating in the region. He also instructed all Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police to conduct a comprehensive review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protecting migrant labourers across Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration has directed employers to register every non-local worker with the local police and district administration and ensure insurance coverage for them. Authorities have also decided to relocate migrant labourers from scattered and isolated accommodations to secured cluster locations so that security forces can provide better protection and surveillance.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, along with senior police officers, visited the attack site to assess the ground situation and review ongoing security arrangements. Officials stated that additional security has been deployed around brick kilns, construction sites, industrial units and other establishments employing migrant workers.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the killings and announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased worker. The compensation will be provided in addition to the immediate financial assistance of Rs 6 lakh already announced by the district administration. The last rites of both victims were performed in Kulgam in the presence of their family members, civil administration officials and senior police officers.
The latest incident comes only days after a Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable was killed in a militant attack in neighbouring Anantnag while performing security duties related to the Amarnath Yatra. Security agencies believe the recent attacks indicate attempts by terrorist groups to create fear among civilians, migrant workers and security personnel while disturbing normal economic activity and public confidence in the Valley.
According to investigators, there are tactical similarities between the Kulgam attack and the killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain on July 22. In both incidents, eyewitnesses reported that the attacker carried a firearm concealed inside a gunny bag, wore a cap to avoid identification, and fired at point-blank range before escaping. Investigators are examining whether the same terrorist module or network was involved in both attacks.
Security agencies are simultaneously searching for Mohammed Lateef Bhat, a resident of Kulgam, who is believed to be the only active local terrorist currently operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence records indicate that Bhat joined the Kashmir Revolution Army, an offshoot linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organisation, in November 2025 after leaving his home earlier that year.
Officials said Bhat previously escaped during Operation Sheruwali, a joint anti-terror operation conducted by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in Anantnag on July 8. That operation resulted in the killing of Category A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zakir Ahmed Ganei, while Bhat managed to flee. Security agencies suspect the two terrorists had planned attacks intended to disrupt the annual Amarnath Yatra.
Officials noted that local terrorist recruitment has witnessed a significant decline due to sustained counter-insurgency operations, intelligence-led policing, National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigations into terror financing, crackdown on narco-terror networks and continuous dismantling of Over Ground Worker (OGW) support structures. Five years ago, Jammu and Kashmir reportedly had nearly 50 to 60 active local terrorists. The number has now reduced to only one active local terrorist, while around 40 to 50 foreign terrorists are still believed to be operating across the Union Territory.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah demanded an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the killings. He questioned the timing of such terrorist incidents, stating that attacks repeatedly occur whenever the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood gains political momentum. He called for identifying the perpetrators through a fair and transparent investigation.
People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack and described it as a serious security lapse. She sought a detailed inquiry into how terrorists managed to target innocent labourers despite heightened security deployment across the Valley for the Amarnath Yatra. She stressed that migrant workers travel far from their homes only to earn a livelihood and should receive complete protection from the administration.
Chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and several political parties also condemned the killings and appealed for strict action against those responsible. Officials estimate that between three lakh and five lakh seasonal migrant workers arrive in Kashmir every year to work in construction, brick kilns, horticulture, agriculture and allied sectors.
Authorities believe the latest attack was intended to spread fear among the migrant workforce and disrupt economic activities in the region. Security forces have assured that intensified counter-terror operations, enhanced surveillance, preventive security measures and coordinated intelligence operations will continue across the Valley to eliminate terrorist threats, restore public confidence and ensure the safety of civilians.
