Bahalnagar (West Bengal), Oct 30 (IANS): A deathly silence has descended upon Bahalnagar village since Monday evening. People seem too stupefied to express their sorrow at the tragic fate of five of their neighbours, killed by terrorists in Kashmir.

The silence is pierced only by the wailing from some of the victim,s households.

This village in Sagardighi block of Murshidabad district is around 2,250 km away from Srinagar, the capital of J&K. But the lack of employment had forced the hapless villagers to cover the distance in search of a job to feed their families back home.

They worked as masons and carpenters and lived together in a rented house at Katrasoo village of the Kulgam district. But fate took a cruel turn when militants raided the village, picked these 'outsiders' and shot five of them dead.

All through the night, and even on Monday, neighbours could be seen crowding around the bereaved family members. But they too groped for words to console them.

Nayeem Ahmed's widow described him as one who always stayed away from any trouble. "My husband was an innocent type. He used to steer clear from any untoward incident," she said.

Other neighbours echoed her: "He never got involved in any issue. He was a simple, straight forward man".

Nayeem was having food, when he was dragged out and killed, the widow said.

Staring at an uncertain future with three sons, she has sought assistance from the government. "Otherwise, how can I sustain myself and the three children. I am helpless," she said.

A young woman demanded that the government must take steps to escort all other workers from West Bengal out of the Valley to the state.

"Other workers who are in Kashmir should be brought back to Bengal. They are not involved in any politics. They had gone there to earn their living. The government must provide foolproof security to workers," she said.