Srinagar: The scale may have been smaller in comparison, but the manner of execution in the Kulgam terror attack on Friday was a chilling reminder of the Pahalgam brutality 15 months ago.
Just like three armed terrorists had gunned down 26 innocent men based on their religion at the picturesque Baisharan valley on 22nd April 2025, the militants opened fire on a Chhattisgarh labourer in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kulgam after asking him what religion he belonged to.
The 24-year-old Deepak Ratre, from Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, was one of two migrant workers killed when terrorists went after them at a brick kiln in Kelam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday evening. Deepak died while being shifted to a hospital, while Bhupendra Bhaina (28), also from Chhattisgarh succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Deepak’s family alleged that the attackers asked him about his religion before shooting him.
“He was asked where he was from and what his religion was. He was shot after he said Hindu,” said Deepak’s brother Manoj said, even as an investigation is underway.
Security agencies haven’t yet confirmed Manoj’s claim.
Deepak had travelled to Jammu & Kashmir early this year with his wife in search of better wages. Following the death of his father, Deepak was the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes his elderly mother, a disabled younger brother, his wife and an infant son.
According to family members, Deepak had left home hoping to secure a better future for his loved ones.
Alas, he fell a victim to that dreaded scourge of terrorism.