Rahul Gandhi Condemns Kulgam Terror Attack, Calls for Strictest Action Against Killers

New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district that claimed the lives of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh, describing the incident as “extremely tragic” and calling for the harshest possible action against those responsible.

Reacting to the attack on social media platform X, Gandhi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased workers and said the country remained united in its fight against terrorism.

He said the “cowardly terrorist attack” had resulted in the killing of two innocent workers and stressed that those responsible must face strict legal action. Gandhi also reiterated that terrorists involved in such attacks should receive the strongest punishment permissible under law.

The attack took place on Friday evening in Kellam village of Kulgam district, where terrorists allegedly opened fire on two brick kiln workers from Chhattisgarh. Both workers sustained critical injuries and were initially rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Anantnag.

One of the victims, identified as Deepak, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Friday night. The second victim, Bopinder, was later shifted to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, in Srinagar, for specialised treatment. He too succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

The killings have triggered widespread condemnation across Jammu and Kashmir, with political leaders and community representatives expressing outrage over the targeting of civilians.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of the two deceased workers. The compensation will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, according to an official announcement.

The incident has also renewed concerns over the security of migrant workers and other non-local residents employed in different parts of the Kashmir Valley. Migrant labourers play an important role in several sectors, including construction, brick kilns, agriculture and other daily-wage activities.

The latest attack occurred less than two weeks after another targeted killing in Anantnag. On July 22, Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was shot dead while deployed on security duty during the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Security agencies have increasingly focused on protecting vulnerable civilian groups following a series of attacks targeting individuals outside traditional security and political targets. Migrant workers, roadside vendors and drivers have previously been targeted in attempts to generate fear and disrupt normal life.

Officials said security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have subsequently strengthened surveillance and security arrangements around areas where non-local workers reside or work. Particular attention is being given to transit camps, labour settlements and other locations considered vulnerable to attacks.

The Kulgam killings have once again brought civilian security to the forefront, with political parties and local representatives demanding swift identification and prosecution of the perpetrators.

As investigations and security operations continue, the attack has underscored the continuing challenge faced by authorities in preventing targeted violence and maintaining normalcy in the Kashmir Valley.