The family of one of the labourers from Chhattisgarh, killed in the Kulgam terror attack, alleged that the assailants had asked him about his religion before opening fire.
Two people were killed in a terrorist attack at a district on Friday. The workers were both in their twenties.
The family members of Deepak Ratre alleged that the terrorists asked for his identity/religion before opening fire, a claim security forces are yet to confirm. Deepak’s uncle, Haldhar Ratre, told news agency ANI that he had gone to work specifically to complete his unfinished home. “It’s been more than 4-6 months; he’d been there since about summertime. The house you see being built next door is his. It’s unfinished; he went to work at a brick kiln to earn money to complete the house,” Haldhar said.
Haldhar further alleged that the attack was targeted, saying, “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…”
Deepak Ratre (24) is survived by a disabled brother, an elderly mother, a wife and a four-month-old infant son. His family hails from Bundeli village of Sakti district of Chattisgarh. He was the sole earner of the family.
He had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir with his wife around seven to eight months ago to work at a brick kiln. “Deepak’s father had died earlier. His younger brother is physically disabled. His mother and brother are now inconsolable. With him gone, there is no one left in the family to earn a livelihood,” Haldhar told PTI. The district administration is making efforts to bring his mortal remains back to his native village, he said.
J&K, Chhattisgarh CM Announce Ex Gratia, Security Forces Launch Search Op
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh each for the kin of two migrant labourers. Abdullah also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed that the government stood firmly with them during this difficult time. The amount is in addition to the immediate assistance of Rs 6 lakh each announced by the district administration.
Later in the day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 20 lakh for each of the families. Expressing profound grief over the incident, the Chief Minister described the attack as an assault on humanity and the unity of the nation.
The Kulgam attack follows closely on the heels of another incident less than 10 days ago, in which terrorists allegedly shot and killed a police officer in Anantnag town. Security forces have launched a fresh search operation in the area to track down the attackers.