Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 1: Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday directed security forces to intensify high-impact anti-terror operations to neutralise terrorists following the Kulgam attack that claimed the lives of two non-local labourers.
Chairing a high-level security review meeting, Sinha instructed all Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to undertake a comprehensive review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) in place for the safety and security of labourers from outside Jammu and Kashmir.
He also directed employers to ensure that workers from other states are covered by insurance and that their details are registered with the local police and district administration.
The Lieutenant Governor further instructed officials to ensure dignified last rites for the victims and extend all possible assistance to their bereaved families.
The meeting also reviewed security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra and discussed measures to further strengthen the security grid across the Union Territory.
The directions came a day after terrorists opened fire on migrant labourers at Kellam village in Kulgam district. The death toll rose to two on Saturday after the second injured labourer succumbed to his injuries at a Srinagar hospital.
The deceased were identified as Deepak Rattray (24), son of Uma Shankar, and Bopinder (28), son of Dasrar. Both were residents of Chhattisgarh and were working at a brick kiln in Kellam village.
Meanwhile, chief minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the next of kin of the two victims.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also condemned the attack, describing it as "extremely tragic" and calling for the strictest action against those responsible.
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also condemned the attack, alleging that Pakistan was attempting to disrupt peace and economic progress in the Union Territory through acts of terrorism.
J&K BJP president Sat Sharma said Pakistan was trying to derail the improving security and economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir by sponsoring terrorism.
"Pakistan does not want peace to prevail in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir, where the economic situation has improved. Pakistan believes that if its own people are suffering from hunger, a similar atmosphere should exist in Jammu and Kashmir as well," Sharma said.