Mamata seeks probe, announces compensation of Rs 5 lakh each

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the family members of five migrant labourers from Murshidabad who were brutally killed by terrorists in Kulgam district of South Kashmir on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter, Banerjee blamed the Centre for its failure to check the dastardly attack in which five people from Murshidabad's Sagardighi laid down their lives while one sustained critical bullet injuries. She also expressed her shock over the incident and termed the whole incident as 'unfortunate'. The Chief Minister also demanded a strong investigation into the entire incident.

"In a most unfortunate incident in Kashmir yesterday (Tuesday), five innocent labourers were brutally killed in a pre planned manner. We are totally shocked! Presently there are no political activities in Kashmir and entire law and order is with the Government of India," Banerjee tweeted.

She further mentioned: "We, therefore, demand a strong investigation so that the real truth comes out. We are deputing Shri Sanjay Singh ADG South Bengal to find out details from them."

Banerjee instructed her party MPs and MLAs to visit the family members of the deceased. She asked the state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Firhad Hakim to take part in the last rites of the victims. Hakim is expected to visit Kolkata Airport late in the evening when the bodies of the five labourers would be flown in from Srinagar.

According to sources, he has also been asked by the Chief Minister to accompany the victims' family members from the airport to their native place.

"Our party MPs and MLAs have reached Murshidabad to meet the family members of the victims. Our government is providing Rs 5 lakh each to the victim's family and render all assistance to them," Banerjee mentioned in her Twitter handle on Wednesday.

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, condemning the incident, called it an act of terrorism and stated that such "dastardly" attacks must be condemned by all.

The deceased have been identified as Kamruddin Sheikh, Murshinam Sheikh, Rofik Ahmed Sheikh, Naimuddin Sheikh and Rofikul Alam. Zahiruddin Sheikh, who sustained serious bullet injuries, has been fighting for life at Anantnag district hospital. All the migrant labourers went to Kashmir on October 3.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee also expressed her solidarity with the victims' family members and offered all possible assistance to them. In an earlier tweet, she said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened at the brutal killings in Kashmir. Five workers from Murshidabad lost their lives. 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."