Suspected terrorist Kulgam attack kills one migrant worker

A suspected terrorist attack in southern Kashmir on Friday, July 31, 2026, killed one migrant worker and critically injured another, marking a renewed targeting of nonlocal laborers in the region. The shooting occurred in the evening at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Kulgam district.

According to officials, the victims were identified as Deepak Ratray, 24, and Bhupendra, 28, both residents of Chhattisgarh. The assailants opened fire on the two men as they worked. Deepak Ratray succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag. Bhupendra sustained serious gunshot wounds and was undergoing treatment at the same facility.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the attack site and launched an extensive search operation to track down the attackers. Additional deployments were made in the surrounding area as part of the response.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack, stating he had spoken with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other top security officials. He directed security forces to intensify operations to eliminate those responsible. Sinha expressed his...