‘Asked his caste, community’: Family alleges victim was identified before being killed in Kulgam

New Delhi: The family of one of the two Chhattisgarh labourers killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam has alleged that the attackers questioned the victims about their identity before opening fire.

Terrorists attacked a brick kiln in Kulgam on Friday night, killing 24-year-old Deepak Ratre of Sakti district and 28-year-old Bhupendra Bhaina of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district.

Family alleges targeted attack

Deepak’s uncle, Haldhar Ratrey, told ANI that the attackers allegedly asked about his nephew’s identity before shooting him.

“From what we’ve heard, the terrorists shot him after asking about his caste and community. Look at this act by the terrorists – they went and shot him after asking his caste, firing at a labourer,” he alleged.

Authorities have not officially confirmed this claim.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also said in a post on X that the attackers “identified” the two labourers before killing them. He said this reflected the “cruel mindset of terrorism.”

The allegation recalled survivor accounts from the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. Survivors had claimed that the attackers asked victims about their religion before opening fire. The attack killed 26 people.

Families lose breadwinners

Deepak had moved to Jammu and Kashmir around seven to eight months ago with his wife to work at the brick kiln. He was the sole breadwinner of his family.

He is survived by his elderly mother, physically disabled younger brother, wife and four-month-old son. His family sought financial assistance and appealed to the government to bring his mortal remains to Chhattisgarh for the last rites.

Bhupendra had reached Kashmir about three months ago with his wife for work. Their four-year-old son stayed with relatives in Chhattisgarh.

Administrations coordinate assistance

Sakti Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rupendra Patel said the administration remained in contact with Deepak’s family. Officials also coordinated with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to bring his body to Bundeli village.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the two labourers.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the killings and directed officials to help return both bodies.

The attack came days after terrorists killed Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag. Qureshi was on Amarnath Yatra duty when the attack took place.