Terror Targets Migrant Labourers in Kashmir Attack
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Terror’s Caste-Based Calculus Exposed in Kashmir Attack
A recent terror attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has highlighted a disturbing trend: terrorists are increasingly targeting migrant labourers based on their caste and community affiliations. The family of one victim alleged that the attackers asked about his identity before opening fire, echoing survivor accounts from a 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
The incident has raised concerns about the nature of terrorism in Kashmir and its brutal tactics. While authorities have not confirmed the details, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement on X reflected outrage and despair: “The cruel mindset of terrorism” has taken center stage.
A Descent into Barbarism
Terrorism is a complex issue, with various factions vying for power and influence. However, recent attacks have revealed an emphasis on targeting migrant labourers based on their social and economic status. This caste-based calculus is a stark reminder of deep-seated prejudices in society.
The fact that terrorists are asking victims about their identity before opening fire raises questions about the extent to which these groups are influenced by local ideologies. Are they adopting this tactic to assert dominance over migrants, or simply exploiting existing social divisions?
A Pattern of Prejudice
The April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack was one of the deadliest in recent years, with 26 people losing their lives. Survivors alleged that terrorists asked victims about their religion before opening fire. This chilling claim has been echoed by the family of Deepak Ratrey, a victim in the Kulgam attack.
The pattern of prejudice suggests a rise in communalism, where extremist groups exploit existing social divisions to further their agenda. Alternatively, it may be a case of terrorism adopting new tactics to achieve its goals.
Government Response
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the two victims. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the killings and directed officials to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of this trend. The government must take a proactive stance in addressing social and economic disparities among migrant labourers through targeted policies and initiatives that provide support and assistance to these communities.
Addressing the Root Causes
The government must work closely with local authorities and community leaders to address the root causes of this trend. This includes providing support and assistance to migrant labourers, addressing social and economic disparities, and promoting policies that foster greater inclusivity and equality.
Ultimately, it is up to us as a society to condemn these heinous acts and demand justice for the victims and their families. We must also recognize the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing terrorism, one that takes into account complex social and economic factors contributing to this scourge.
As we stand with the families of Deepak Ratrey and Bhupendra Bhaina, we are reminded of the enduring power of human resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. But we must also acknowledge the urgent need for action, and demand that our leaders take concrete steps to address the root causes of this trend. Anything less would be a betrayal of our collective humanity.
Reader Views
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The Kulgam attack's disturbing trend of targeting migrant labourers based on caste and community affiliations warrants a nuanced discussion about the ideological underpinnings of terrorism in Kashmir. While authorities blame separatist groups for perpetuating this violence, it's equally important to acknowledge how local ideologies can be exploited by extremist elements. A deeper examination of the social and economic dynamics driving these attacks is long overdue, as is a recognition that the lines between local militant groups and external influences are increasingly blurred.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The Kulgam attack's emphasis on targeting migrant labourers based on caste and community affiliations suggests a sinister collaboration between terrorist groups and local social dynamics. What's often overlooked in discussions of Kashmiri terrorism is the role of India's own economic policies, which have led to a flood of migrant workers into the region. These individuals become unwitting pawns in a broader game of communalism, exploited by extremist groups seeking to further their agendas.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While the recent terror attacks in Kashmir highlight the growing trend of caste-based targeting by extremist groups, it's essential to consider the broader implications for India's internal security policies. The rise of communalism and local ideologies influencing terrorist tactics raises questions about the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies. To truly address this issue, policymakers must acknowledge the interconnectedness of social and economic factors contributing to radicalization, rather than solely focusing on security measures that often perpetuate the cycle of violence.