In the aftermath of a chilling terror attack in Budgam, Kashmir, the family of Usman—a young welder from Saharanpur who was injured in the attack—has spoken out, highlighting the plight of non-local workers and calling for increased security measures for those working in the region. Usman, who has been working in Kashmir for three months, sustained a gunshot wound in his arm when militants opened fire on him and others as they returned to their accommodations after a long day of work.

Family’s Heartfelt Account of the Budgam Attack

The recent attack has shaken Usman’s family in Saharanpur, who received news of the incident early in the morning. Usman’s brother, visibly distressed, shared the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. “My younger brother Usman had gone there to work as a welder with a contractor. He’d been in Kashmir for three months and had been facing no problems so far,” he shared. The family had believed he was safe in the region, especially since Usman had previously worked in Jammu without incident.

According to Usman’s brother, the attack occurred late at night as Usman and other team members were returning from their work site. They were ambushed by terrorists who began firing indiscriminately, aiming to inflict terror on the non-local workers. “It was dark, and they were on their way back to their room when the terrorists attacked them. My brother was shot in the arm, while another worker with him suffered a bullet wound in the leg,” he recounted. The family received confirmation of Usman’s injury only the next morning after several anxious calls to his contractor went unanswered.

A Growing Threat to Non-Local Workers

The Budgam terror attack highlights a troubling trend, as non-local laborers have increasingly become targets of such attacks. This assault comes as militants seek to instill fear among non-Kashmiri workers, effectively discouraging them from taking up work in the Valley. Usman’s brother expressed his frustration and concerns for his sibling and others like him, who migrate to Kashmir in search of employment.

“The terrorists are just ensuring that no outsider comes to Kashmir to work. They’re targeting people from outside, which is very unfair. Non-locals working in Kashmir should be given protection so they can earn a livelihood safely,” he said. For migrant laborers like Usman, Kashmir offers employment opportunities, but with growing security risks, families are left worried for the safety of their loved ones.

Demands for Improved Security and Government Intervention

In response to the attack, families and community members have raised calls for increased security and safeguards for migrant workers. In recent years, the spate of targeted attacks on non-locals has led to heightened concerns over the safety of these workers, who often take up roles in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are asking the government to protect the people who go there to work. They leave their homes and families to earn a living. If they are not safe, what can we do? These workers need assurance that they will not be attacked,” Usman’s brother urged. He emphasized the importance of providing these laborers with security arrangements, as they face greater risks while working in regions with active militant threats.

Officials in Budgam have assured that the government is taking steps to address the security of non-local workers in the region, although recent events underscore the need for immediate and effective intervention to prevent future attacks. Security measures, including additional police protection and controlled movements, may be considered to ensure worker safety in sensitive areas.

Local Authorities and Community Reactions

The attack has not only shaken the families of the victims but has also spurred conversations within Kashmir. Some community members expressed empathy for the workers and their families, while others voiced concern over the impacts of these incidents on Kashmir’s reputation. “We understand that they come here to work, and such violence affects everyone. No one should feel unsafe just because they are from outside the region,” said a local resident of Budgam, highlighting the importance of peace and coexistence.

Local authorities have been working with security forces to strengthen patrols and surveillance, especially in areas where non-local workers are known to reside. They have also urged community members to report any suspicious activities, to enhance the collective security effort. This collaborative approach is intended to reduce the risk of future incidents and reinforce the message that such attacks are unacceptable in any part of India.

A Call for Unity and Safety for All Workers

The Budgam terror attack has intensified public calls for unity and a protective framework for non-local workers. As migrant laborers continue to contribute to Kashmir’s development, experts highlight the need for a strategy that assures their safety while fostering communal harmony in the Valley.

“These attacks on workers from other parts of India threaten the unity of our country. Each individual has the right to work wherever they choose within India, and we must safeguard this right,” commented Dr. Shreya Kapoor, a sociologist studying migration and labor in conflict zones. “The government and local authorities should act quickly and decisively to put an end to these targeted incidents,” she added.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Peace and Protection

For families like Usman’s, the impact of the Budgam attack is deeply personal. Their plea to the government is a cry for assurance that their loved ones can work safely in Kashmir. “We want the government to take serious action so that our family members do not live in constant fear. We hope this attack will be the last of its kind,” Usman’s brother said.

With mounting concerns and a commitment to worker safety, the onus is now on security agencies and the government to develop a robust system of protection for non-local laborers. As Kashmir’s economic development continues, ensuring the well-being of every worker in the region becomes an essential part of building a peaceful and inclusive future for all.

The Budgam terror attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges non-local workers face, underscoring the need for protective measures that support migrant workers in their pursuit of livelihood and safety.