Jammu, August 1: Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Javed Rana on Saturday said questions regarding the security lapse that led to the killing of two non-local workers in Kulgam should be addressed to the Union Home Ministry, asserting that law and order is not under the jurisdiction of the Union Territory government.

Expressing grief over the incident, Rana said it was tragic that people who had come to Jammu and Kashmir to earn their livelihood and contribute to the region's development had fallen victim to violence.

"It is deeply unfortunate that people who came here to earn a living and contribute to Kashmir's development were killed. We express our heartfelt condolences. However, law and order is not under the jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir government. Questions about the security lapse should be put to the Home Ministry and the agencies responsible for maintaining law and order, as they are in a better position to respond," he said.

Condemning the attack in the strongest terms, the minister described the killings as an act of barbarity.

"It is sheer barbarity. Taking the life of an unarmed and innocent person is nothing short of an attack on humanity. It is a deeply painful incident," Rana said.

The killing of the two non-local workers has sparked widespread condemnation from political parties and civil society, with fresh concerns being raised over the safety and security of civilians and migrant workers in the Valley.