Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 23: In a powerful display of solidarity and public outrage, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu (JKHCBAJ), led a massive protest rally through the old city of Jammu to condemn the horrific terror attack on tourists at Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam. The attack, which occurred on April 22, claimed several innocent lives and left many injured, shaking the conscience of the entire region.
The protest rally, which began from the High Court Complex, saw the participation of numerous civil society organizations, legal fraternities, and prominent associations including the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI), Chamber of Traders Federation, All J&K Transport Union, and Yuva Rajput Sabha, among others. The procession culminated at the statue of Brig. Rajinder Singh, where two minutes of silence were observed in memory of the deceased.
Members of the JKHCBAJ also observed a complete suspension of work in all courts and legal forums across Jammu, including the Hon'ble High Court, Subordinate Courts, CAT, Consumer Commissions, Revenue Courts, and other judicial bodies, as a mark of protest.
K. Nirmal Kotwal, President of JKHCBAJ, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, labeling it a "barbaric and cowardly act targeting innocent civilians." He urged the Central Government, UT administration, and police authorities to take immediate and effective action to bring the perpetrators to justice. "A thorough and impartial investigation must be conducted, and justice must be delivered swiftly," he asserted.
Kotwal also appealed for ex-gratia relief for the families of the deceased, emphasizing the need for government support during this time of immense grief. "Such heinous crimes are not only attacks on innocent lives but also on the democratic and peaceful fabric of our society," he stated.
The association's office bearers - Vice President Baldev Singh, General Secretary Pardeep Majotra, Joint Secretary Anshu Majahan, and Treasurer Rahul Aggarwal - echoed similar sentiments, urging unified action against terrorism. They highlighted the urgent need for stronger security measures and proactive governance to ensure such incidents do not recur.
The Young Lawyers Association also showed strong support, with participation from Amandeep Sharma (President), Bhagirath Singh (Vice President), Saksham (General Secretary), and others. Prominent senior advocates including Sh. M.K. Bhardwaj, Sh. M.R. Qureshi, and Sh. Anwar Choudhary joined the rally alongside a large number of advocates from across the legal fraternity.
Jammu observed a complete shutdown in response to a Bandh call issued by civil society and multiple organizations. Markets remained closed and daily life came to a halt as a unified gesture of grief, anger, and a call for justice.
Addressing the gathering, President of JCCI Arun Gupta, President of Transport Union Karan Wazir, President of Traders Federation Neeraj Anand, and President of Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha Narayan Singh condemned the attack and called for immediate government action to ensure safety and stability in the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed its prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. The Association reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to justice and peace, calling on citizens to remain united in the face of such acts of terror.
This unprecedented unity across Jammu sends a powerful message: that terror will never succeed in breaking the resolve of a community determin |
