Murshidabad workers killed in Kashmir: CM, opposition leaders offer condolence, bodies to reach later today

People of Sagardighi area of Murshidabad district in West Bengal have been lamenting the death of five workers – their own people, who had travelled to distant Kashmir in search of work. On Tuesday evening, the five migrant workers were gunned down by terrorists in Kulgram district of south Kashmir. They were in a group and one worker was injured.

A group of 15 labourers had gone to Kashmir on work. The incident took place on the day a team of European Union parliamentarians had travelled to Kashmir to look at the “ground reality” following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. There have been several restrictions on communication in order to maintain peace, as per the government’s statements. Restrictions have been lifted partially from time to time, but Indian politicians have not been allowed to travel in Kashmir on their own yet. Several Kashmiri leaders are still under arrest.

In Bengal’s Sagardighi area – where families of the labourers live – leaders of political parties have been visiting since Wednesday morning. The news of the deaths reached the village late on Tuesday night.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences and said “all help” will be provided to the families. She said she was “shocked” and “deeply saddened” at the “brutal killings”. Congress leader from Murshidabad, Adhir Chowdhury, visited the house of the victims. Leaders from the ruling party, Trinamool Congress as well as the CPI(M) also visited their homes.

Chowdhury said he would talk to the Centre for the opening of a toll free number for families of others to know about their dear ones, and assurances of security for others working in Kashmir was also needed.

Bodies of the deceased will reach Murshidabad later this evening.

[Photograph representational]