Target Killings In Kashmir: From Krishna Dhaba To Kulgam Terror Attack, Inside Story Of 10 Attacks In 5 Years

Jagran Correspondent, Kulgam: The tactic of spreading terror by targeting innocent people, non-local labourers, and workers in Kashmir is an ongoing concern. Terrorists operating in the region frequently attempt to signal their presence by attacking workers, business owners, and non-local residents to spread fear.

This pattern of targeted violence is highlighted by several key incidents over recent years:

ALSO READ: 'Asked Caste, Communal Identity Before Shooting': Kulgam Victim's Family Alleges Pahalgam Terror Attack-Like Killing

Timeline Of Incidents:

- February 2021: The son of the owner of Srinagar's Krishna Dhaba was murdered, marking a key point in the rise of targeted killings.

- October 2021: Renowned chemist M L Bindru, school principal Supinder Kaur, and teacher Deepak Chand were killed in Srinagar within a few days.

- February 26, 2023: Kashmiri Hindu Sanjay Sharma was shot dead by terrorists in Pulwama.

- February 7, 2024: Two men from Punjab working as carpenters were shot dead in Srinagar's Habba Kadal area.

- August 8, 2024: A non-local labourer was shot dead in Shopian's Chotipora.

- October 18, 2024: Ashok Chauhan, a maize seller from Bihar, was killed in Shopian.

- November 2, 2024: Two non-local labourers were shot dead in Majhama, Budgam.

- April 22, 2025: 26 people, including 25 tourists, were killed in a terrorist attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam.

- July 22, 2026: A Head Constable deployed on Amarnath Yatra duty was shot dead in Anantnag.

- July 31, 2026: Two labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Kulgam.

Pattern Of Targeted Attacks In Kashmir

Two labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday night. The family of one of the victims alleged that the attackers asked about their caste and community before opening fire.

This echoes survivors' accounts from the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, where victims stated that terrorists asked about their religion before opening fire. The similarities between these two incidents indicate a well-planned strategy by terrorist organisations to spark communal tension, widespread fear, and social division across the region.

ALSO READ: 'Whenever We Seek Statehood': Farooq Abdullah's Controversial Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP's Criticism

TRF Claims Responsibility

The Resistance Front (TRF), operating as a hit squad of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for these attacks. The group's actions suggest an attempt to send multiple messages across the Valley through systematic violence.