Two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh lost their lives after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening. One worker died at the spot, while the second labourer, who suffered critical injuries, passed away in hospital early on Saturday. The attack took place at a brick kiln in Kellam village in south Kashmir.

According to officials, the terrorists targeted two non-local labourers who were working at the brick kiln. After opening fire, the attackers fled the area. The victims were identified as Deepak and Bhopinder, both residents of Chhattisgarh. Deepak died on the spot after sustaining gunshot injuries. Bhopinder suffered serious injuries during the attack.

Doctors first shifted Bhopinder to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment. His condition remained critical, following which doctors referred him to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for advanced medical care. Despite efforts by the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries early on Saturday. With his death, the toll in the terror attack rose to two.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. The outfit has also claimed responsibility for the shoot-and-scoot attack carried out on July 22 in Anantnag, which killed a police officer. It had also claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22 last year.

Soon after the attack, security forces reached the brick kiln and secured the area. They cordoned off the entire location and launched a search operation to trace the terrorists involved in the firing. Security personnel continued their operation to locate the attackers and prevent any further incidents in the region.

The latest attack came less than ten days after terrorists shot dead a police officer in Anantnag town. The back-to-back incidents have raised fresh security concerns in south Kashmir. Security agencies have increased their operations to track down terrorist groups active in the area.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the terror attack. He said he had spoken to Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior security officials soon after the incident. He also directed security agencies to intensify operations against the terrorists.

In a post on X, Sinha said, "I strongly condemn this cowardly act. I have directed our security forces to step up their operations and eliminate the terrorists."

He added that the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces had already cordoned off the area and launched an operation to bring those responsible to justice. The administration has continued to monitor the situation closely following the attack.

Before Bhopinder succumbed to his injuries, Sinha had stated that the injured labourer from Chhattisgarh had been shifted to hospital for urgent medical treatment. He also expressed sympathy for the affected family and prayed for the injured worker's recovery. Following the confirmation of Bhopinder's death on Saturday, both labourers lost their lives in the attack.

Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir also condemned the killing of the migrant workers. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti described the attack as "unimaginably cruel". She condemned the killing of the labourers and said they had travelled far from their homes only to earn a livelihood for their families. She expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives and extended her condolences to the bereaved families.

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also denounced the attack. He termed the incident "tragic and inhuman". He said those responsible for the killings must face justice. Bukhari also expressed solidarity with the victims' families. Before the second labourer passed away, he had prayed for the injured worker's recovery.

The People's Conference also condemned the incident. The party described the targeting of innocent civilians as "utterly reprehensible". It extended condolences to the family of the deceased and had wished the injured worker a swift recovery before officials confirmed his death.

The attack has once again highlighted the threat faced by migrant workers employed in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Labourers from several states travel to the Valley each year to work in construction sites, brick kilns and other sectors. The killing of two workers from Chhattisgarh has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and public representatives.

Security forces have continued their search operation in Kulgam to trace those responsible for the attack. Officials have maintained a strong security presence in the area while investigations continue. The latest incident adds to a series of recent terror attacks in south Kashmir and has prompted fresh efforts to strengthen security operations across the region.