Fear stalks Kashmir’s brick kilns after terrorists kill 2 migrant workers
Migrant workers in Kashmir are facing fear and uncertainty following the targeted killing of two laborers in Kulgam. The incident has disrupted operations at local brick kilns and raised concerns about a potential exodus of seasonal workers.
Why it matters
Targeted violence against migrant workers threatens the stability of local labor-dependent industries and highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.
KULGAM: Panic. Shuttered doors. Phones ringing with anxious calls from home. Brick kilns across south Kashmir ground to a halt Saturday as migrant labourers stayed indoors, rattled by the killing of two co-workers barely 2km away and wondering if they should leave — or stay and earn.Around 11am, Sunil Kumar, 34, and fellow labourer Renku Yadav stepped out of brick kiln No 515 in Hablishi village of Kulgam district to buy atta and pulses after running out of food. They had barely walked a short distance when the kiln owner chased after them, urging them to return.Fear had settled over the village after terrorists fatally shot two migrant labourers Friday evening at a brick kiln in neighbouring Kilam — killing Deepak Ratrey, 24, and Bhupendra Bhaina, 28, from Chhattisgarh.The attack raised concerns about the resurgence of targeted killings of non-native people in Kashmir.
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