KULGAM: A targeted terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district has left two migrant workers dead, raising fresh concerns over civilian security in the region. The attack occurred late Friday evening, July 31, 2026, when suspected terrorists opened fire on the workers at a brick kiln in the Kelam (also spelt Kilam) village area.
Kulgam Terror Attack: Details of the Attack and Victims
The victims have been identified as Deepak Ratray and Bopinder (also reported as Bhopendra), both in their 20s and hailing from Chhattisgarh.
- According to official reports, the attackers fired upon the non-local workers after sundown and managed to flee the scene under the cover of darkness.
- Deepak Ratray tragically succumbed to his injuries on the spot before he could receive medical attention.
- Bopinder suffered severe chest injuries and was initially rushed to GMC Anantnag for treatment. He was later transferred to SKIMS Hospital in Soura, Srinagar, where he ultimately succumbed to his wounds on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing the death toll to two.
Some reports even said, that attackers asked religion of the labourers before shooting two dead after learning that both of the migrant workers were Hindus. Many compared the attack to Pahalgam tragedy where terrorists killed 26 people last year after religiously profiling them.
Security Response and Government Action
Immediately following the attack, security forces quickly cordoned off the Kilam area and launched a large-scale search operation to track down the fleeing attackers. Operations resumed early Saturday morning across parts of south Kashmir, and security measures for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra have been significantly enhanced in response to the violence.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the “brutal terror attack on labourers” and directed security forces to intensify their operations to eliminate the terrorists responsible. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also announced financial compensation, stating that ₹10 lakh each will be provided to the families of the two deceased workers.
Broader Context: Terrorism in J&K
The incident is part of an alarming trend of targeted killings in the Kashmir Valley. It marks the second such targeted attack in the region since July 22, 2026.
Terrorist organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and The Resistance Front (TRF) remain active in the region and have frequently targeted security personnel, government infrastructure, and notably, migrant workers and non-locals.
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These targeted killings are often viewed as attempts to create fear, destabilize the region, and disrupt the local economy by driving away the migrant workforce essential to sectors like agriculture and construction. The Government of India continues to employ a multi-pronged counter-terrorism strategy, utilizing intelligence-led operations by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, while simultaneously strengthening border security and cracking down on terror financing networks.