- Suspected terrorists shot dead a non-local worker and injured another in a targeted attack in south Kashmir's Kulgam on July 31, 2026.
- One of the victims, Deepak, was a resident of Chhattisgarh, while the injured worker, Bhupender, is from Uttar Pradesh.
- Security forces have cordoned off the attack site and launched a search operation to trace the attackers.
- Following the attack, a major police crackdown was initiated, resulting in the detention of over 3,000 suspects across Kashmir.
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned that the mass detentions may worsen the situation.
- The recent attacks are part of a troubling trend, as it is the second targeted attack by terrorists in the last 10 days.
- Just last week, a policeman was killed in a targeted attack in Anantnag.
- The attacks have occurred during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, prompting the deployment of 670 additional paramilitary companies for security.
One non-local labourer, Deepak from Chhattisgarh, was killed and another, identified as Bhupender from Uttar Pradesh, was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Kulgam's Kilam village on July 31, 2026.34
The attack occurred after sundown, with preliminary reports indicating that the assailants fired upon the workers and escaped under the cover of darkness.
A senior police official confirmed, “One died (in the firing incident) and another was being operated (in a hospital).” The injured worker is currently receiving advanced treatment at the Government Medical College in Anantnag.
This incident marks the second targeted attack on non-locals in the region within ten days, following a similar attack that resulted in the death of a policeman in Anantnag.89
In response to the escalating violence, a major cordon and search operation has been launched to track down the attackers.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ramped up security measures, deploying 670 additional companies of paramilitary troops amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, which has heightened concerns over safety in the region.1011
Following the recent attacks, over 3,000 suspects have been detained in a police crackdown, raising concerns from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about the potential for worsening tensions.7
The situation remains critical as authorities work to ensure the safety of non-local workers and pilgrims in the area.
“The injured worker, identified as Bhupender from Uttar Pradesh, was said to be critical, while the deceased, Deepak, was a resident of Chhattisgarh. The attack is the second targeted strike in south Kashmir in the last 10 days and has triggered a crackdown in which over 3,000 suspects have been detained.”
