Kulgam killings: West Bengal to bring home 131 workers from Kashmir

“A total of 131 workers who had gone to Kashmir are being brought back to West Bengal with the help of the state government. They are from Murshidabad, Dinajpur and Malda,” Banerjee told reporters.

Kulgam killings, Kashmir attack on labourers, bengali labour Kashmir, Kashmir attacks, Kashmir lockdown, Mamata Banerjee, indian express news

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also claimed it was a pre-planned attack.

The West Bengal government is bringing back 131 workers from Kashmir following the killing of five labourers from Murshidabad district in south Kashmir’s Kulgam by suspected militants, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a programme at Eco park Friday.

“A total of 131 workers who had gone to Kashmir are being brought back to West Bengal with the help of the state government. They are from Murshidabad, Dinajpur and Malda,” Banerjee told reporters.

The government has initiated the process and two officials have already left for Kashmir to bring back the workers to the state via train. Sources said the government is planning to send police officers to Kashmir so that proper arrangement can be made for more workers willing to return to their homes in Bengal.

Story continues below this ad

Read | Bengal labourers killed in Valley: TMC asks why PM Modi, Shah silent

The labourers, who worked in an apple orchard, were asked to step out of their rented accommodation in Kulgam, taken to a nearby area, and then shot dead. The deceased were identified as Naimuddin Sheikh, Murshalim Sheikh, Rafikul Sheikh, Rafique Sheikh and Kamaruddin Sheikh, all from Bahalnagar village in Murshidabad’s Sagardighi.

The Chief Minister also claimed it was a pre-planned attack. “The manner in which they were murdered brutally after being abducted, I think it is pre-planned,” she said while demanding an investigation into the killings.

Also read | Bengal labourers killed in Valley: At the funeral prayer, friends and strangers from far and near

Story continues below this ad

Hours after the incident Tuesday, Banerjee had expressed shock and sadness. “Words will not take away the grief of the families of the deceased. All help will be extended to the families in this tragic situation,” she had tweeted.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram