The family of a labourer from Chhattisgarh who was killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam has alleged that the terrorists questioned him about his religion before shooting him.
Deepak Ratre (24), a resident of Sakti district in Chhattisgarh, was among the two migrant workers killed after terrorists attacked a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening. The other victim was Bhupendra Bhaina (28), also from Chhattisgarh. Both succumbed to their injuries following the attack.
According to Deepak's family, the attackers asked him about his religion before opening fire. However, the allegation has not been officially verified by security agencies, which are investigating the incident.
"They asked him where he was from and what his religion was. After he said he was Hindu, they shot him," said Deepak's brother, Manoj.
Deepak had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir seven to eight months ago along with his wife to work at a brick kiln in search of better employment opportunities. He was the sole earning member of his family, which includes his elderly mother, a differently-abled younger brother, his wife and their infant son. His father had passed away earlier.
Family members said Deepak had left home hoping to provide a better life for his loved ones but instead fell victim to terrorism. They have appealed to the government for financial assistance and adequate compensation, stating that the family has now been left without any means of livelihood.
Bhupendra had gone to Kashmir around three months ago with his wife for work, leaving behind his four-year-old son with his grandmother and younger sister. His parents and brother are employed as labourers in Himachal Pradesh.
Following the attack, administrative officials, including Malkharouda SDM Rupendra Patel, visited Deepak's family and assured them of all possible support. The district administration is also coordinating with authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the return of his mortal remains to his native village.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the attack and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 20 lakh each for the families of the two deceased workers. Describing the attack as "cowardly" and "an assault on humanity and national unity", Sai said a senior state government official would be sent to Jammu and Kashmir to coordinate with local authorities and ensure the victims' last rites are conducted with dignity and according to their religious customs.
The family's allegation has also brought back memories of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which survivors had claimed that terrorists asked tourists about their religion before opening fire. However, security agencies have not established any connection between the two incidents, and the motive behind the Kulgam attack remains under investigation.
The Kulgam attack occurred less than 10 days after terrorists shot dead a police officer in Anantnag. It is also the latest in a series of attacks targeting non-local workers in Jammu and Kashmir. In February 2024, two labourers from Punjab were killed in a similar terror attack in Srinagar.
