Another Pahalgam-like attack in Kashmir !
Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) - On the night of 31 July, two Jihadi terrorists shot two migrant Hindu labourers from Chhattisgarh working at a brick kiln in Kelam, about 20 kilometres from Kulgam in Kashmir, after asking their names.
One labourer died on the spot, while the other succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The deceased have been identified as 24-year-old Deepak Ratre and 28-year-old Bhupendra.
Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the entire area and began checking vehicles. The terrorists had arrived on a motorcycle. One was armed with an AK-47 rifle and the other with a pistol. They fled after carrying out the attack. Preliminary information indicates that one of the two terrorists had, a few days earlier, opened fire on Police personnel deployed in Anantnag for the security of the Amarnath Yatra, killing one policeman.
Only the Hindu labourers were singled out and killed
According to the Police, the attack was carried out like the Pahalgam attack, where Hindus were identified by their names, separated from others, and then killed. The terrorists first asked the migrant labourers their names. They then separated the two Hindus from the group and shot them at point-blank range. Although many migrant labourers were present at the site, only two of them were Hindus. Police sources said the terrorists had first gathered information and then carried out the attack.
'The Resistance Front' behind the attack again
According to Police sources, one local and one foreign terrorist are suspected to have been involved in the attack. The preliminary investigation is focusing on Mohammad Latif, who joined Lashkar-e-Taiba's 'The Resistance Front' (TRF) last year. The Pahalgam attack was also carried out by the same group.
State Government announces ₹10 lakh ex gratia for each bereaved family
Following the incident, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased Hindus.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, Abdullah strongly condemned the brutal killings and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and said that the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time.