He Was Asked His Religion, Then Shot: Family Alleges Terrorists Killed Chhattisgarh Labourer In J&K’s Kulgam

Suspected terrorists killed two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh in a targeted attack at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, with the family of one victim alleging that the attackers asked about his religion before shooting him.

The attack took place at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam on Friday evening. The victims were identified as Deepak Ratre (24) from Sakti district and Bhupendra Bhaina (28), both migrant workers from Chhattisgarh. Officials said the two labourers were injured in the firing and later died from their wounds.

Deepak’s brother Manoj alleged that the terrorists questioned him about his identity before killing him. “ He was asked where he was from and what his religion was. He was shot after he said Hindu,” he claimed. The allegation has not been officially verified by security agencies, which are investigating the attack and the motive behind it.

Deepak had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir around seven to eight months ago with his wife to work at the brick kiln in search of better income. He was the sole earning member of his family, which includes his elderly mother, disabled younger brother, wife and an infant son. His father had died earlier.

Bhupendra had moved to Kashmir around three months ago with his wife for work. He left behind his four year old son in the care of his grandmother and younger sister. His parents and brother were also working as labourers in Himachal Pradesh.

Following the attack, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area to track down the terrorists. Police teams are collecting evidence and questioning locals as part of the investigation. No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir. It comes after previous attacks targeting non local workers, including the killing of two workers from Punjab in Srinagar in February 2024.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the attack and announced Rs 20 lakh ex gratia assistance for the families of both victims. Calling the attack a “cowardly act” and an assault on humanity, he said a senior state government officer would be sent to Jammu and Kashmir to coordinate with local authorities and ensure the victims’ last rites are conducted with dignity.

The family’s allegation has also drawn comparisons with the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where survivors had claimed terrorists asked tourists about their religion before opening fire. Security agencies have not linked the two incidents, and the investigation into the Kulgam attack is still underway.

The attack comes less than ten days after terrorists shot dead a police officer in Anantnag town, adding to security concerns in south Kashmir.