SRINAGAR: The Chhattisgarh Government on Saturday announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh each for the families of two migrant workers from the state who were killed in a terrorist 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 shot dead late on Friday while working at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Announcing the financial assistance, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the attack, describing the targeting of innocent civilians as a crime against humanity.
“The Chhattisgarh government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” Sai said while announcing Rs 20 lakh as ex gratia for the next of kin of each deceased worker.
The Chief Minister said he had directed senior state officials to immediately coordinate with their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir after receiving information about the incident to ensure all necessary assistance to the affected families.
He also announced that the Chhattisgarh Government would appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and oversee the provision of all possible support to the families of the victims.
The attack, which claimed the lives of the two migrant workers, has drawn widespread condemnation, with authorities continuing efforts to trace those responsible.
