Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh each for the families of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh who were killed in a terrorist attack in J&K’s Kulgam district on Friday evening.
The Chief Minister strongly condemned the incident and assured the bereaved families of all possible support from the state government.
The two labourers, identified as Deepak Ratray (24) and Bhopinder Kumar (28), were working at a brick kiln in Kelam (also referred to as Kellam) village in Kulgam. On July 31, 2026, terrorists targeted them at the site. Ratray died on the spot, while Kumar, who sustained serious chest injuries, succumbed the following day in hospital.
In a message on his X handle, the Chief Minister wrote that the brutal murder of the workers was “extremely painful and heart-wrenching.”
He condemned the attack in the strongest terms and said the Chhattisgarh government stands firmly with the bereaved families.
Sai described the killing of the state’s hardworking labourers as a very sad and inhuman incident.
He said Rs 20 lakh each would be provided to the families of both deceased workers. A nodal officer is being appointed to coordinate with the J&K government to ensure timely assistance.
He said the government stands firmly with both families during this difficult time and will extend every possible support. Paying tribute to the deceased, the Chief Minister prayed for peace to their souls and strength to the grieving relatives.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma also condemned the attack, calling it a “very cruel act.” He noted that the terrorists reportedly conversed with the two workers for about 10 minutes before suddenly opening fire.
Sharma linked the perpetrators to extremist elements that the government is determined to eliminate, asserting that such people will be hunted down and neutralised.
(IANS)
