Pulwama, Oct 30 : A man from Uttar Pradesh, working as a labourer in South Kashmir’s Pulwama, was shot dead by suspected terrorists on Monday. The attack came a day after a police officer was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Srinagar.
Police identified the victim as Mukesh Kumar, hailing from Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh
According to the local police, terrorists opened fire on Mukesh in Tumchi Nowpora area, causing him to sustain critical injuries. Later on, Mukesh succumbed to his wounds.
The area was cordoned off as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.
Mukesh had been working at a brick-klin for the past five months in Tumchi Nowpora, a small village falling on border between Pulwama and Budgam district along Newa – Srinagar road.
Originally from the village of Bhatpurwa in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, he had left the brick-klin on the fateful morning with the intention of depositing money at a bank branch in the neighbouring Wanpora village around 9:00 am.
Mukesh’s co-workers became worried when he failed to return for his scheduled 12:00 pm shift, prompting a search for him. Tragically, their search led them to the grim discovery that Mukesh’s life had been cut short.
Daya Ram, a fellow villager and colleague, expressed his sorrow over the loss and recounted how they had received news of Mukesh’s body lying in a pool of blood in a nearby orchard between Tumchi Nowpora and Bapora villages.
Mukesh had been to Kashmir multiple times in recent years, seeking employment as a labourer to support his family.
The colleagues revealed that Mukesh left behind his wife and four children .
“Mukesh was sole breadwinner for his poor family and had been living separately from his brothers,” Daya Ram said.
Kamlesh, another labourer working alongside Mukesh, emphasized that the workers had no animosity with anyone and had journeyed to the region solely to earn a livelihood for their families.
The shocking incident has left them traumatized and worried.
Kamlesh was seen weeping inconsolably outside a hut used by Mukesh as his accommodation for staying at the brick-klin. He recalled Mukesh as nice person.
Approximately 35 labourers from different areas of Uttar Pradesh are employed at the same brick-klin in Tumchi Nowpora.
Mukesh’s body was retrieved by authorities from the spot for completing medico-legal formalities.
On Sunday, inspector Masroor Ahmad was shot at and critically injured in Srinagar while he was playing cricket in Srinagar’s Eidgah ground.
LG condemns Pulwama terror attack
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has condoled the tragic loss of life due to terrorist attack in Pulwama. In a message, the Lt Governor said the killing of innocent civilian Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, will not go unpunished.
“I strongly condemn the despicable and cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama. Heartfelt condolences to the family of Mukesh Kumar. We are firmly resolved to eliminate the terrorist menace that continues to receive encouragement and reinforcement from across the border,” the Lt Governor said.
