The Chhattisgarh government has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of two migrant workers from the state who were killed in an attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The victims, identified as Deepak Ratre from Sakti district and Bhupendra Bhaina from Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, both in their twenties, were fatally shot late Friday while working at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the incident, labelling the targeting of innocent civilians as a grave injustice. He affirmed the state government’s solidarity with the bereaved families during this period of immense grief. The Chief Minister stated that upon receiving information about the attack, he had instructed senior state officials to liaise immediately with their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure comprehensive assistance for the affected families.
In addition to the financial aid, Chief Minister Sai announced that the Chhattisgarh government would designate a nodal officer. This officer will be tasked with coordinating with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and overseeing the provision of all possible support to the families of the deceased workers. The attack has provoked widespread condemnation, and authorities are actively engaged in efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killings.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers in the region and has underscored the ongoing security challenges. The Kulgam district, located in south Kashmir, has previously been the site of militant activity. The immediate response from the Chhattisgarh government aims to provide tangible support to the families grappling with the sudden loss of their loved ones. The appointment of a nodal officer signals a commitment to ensure that assistance reaches the families effectively and without delay.
The details of the victims, Deepak Ratre and Bhupendra Bhaina, indicate they were young individuals who had migrated for work. Their deaths have sent shockwaves not only in their home districts of Sakti and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh but also across Chhattisgarh. The state government’s swift announcement of ex gratia assistance is a measure to provide immediate financial relief to the families, who are now facing the daunting task of coping with the aftermath of the attack.
The coordination between state governments in cases involving the death of migrant workers is crucial. Chhattisgarh’s move to appoint a nodal officer demonstrates a proactive approach to managing such inter-state issues. This measure is intended to streamline communication and ensure that the families receive all necessary support, including repatriation of the bodies and any legal or administrative aid required. The investigation into the Kulgam attack is ongoing, with security forces intensifying their efforts to track down the militants responsible for the violence.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
