Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 23: For the first time in 35 years, the Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown to protest a terrorist attack, following the brutal killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Anantnag district. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent times, sparked widespread outrage across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with residents, political parties, religious organizations, and business groups condemning the act in unison.
Spontaneous protests erupted across the Kashmir Valley, with hundreds taking to the streets, shouting pro-India slogans such as “Hindustan Zindabad” and “I am Indian.” In Pahalgam, shopkeepers and hoteliers joined marches, expressing solidarity with the victims and asserting their national pride. Mosques across the Valley amplified the call for a shutdown, urging residents to join the protests against the barbaric act.
In Jammu, massive anti-Pakistan demonstrations saw protesters burning effigies of Pakistan and demanding a strong response to terrorism. Similar protests took place in Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Katra, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Banihal, Ramban, Poonch, and Rajouri, reflecting widespread anger across the region.
Cutting across party lines, major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed solidarity with the victims. The Jammu and Kashmir Congress held a protest at Shaheedi Chowk in Jammu, denouncing the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and calling for decisive action against terrorism. Congress leaders emphasized the unity of the people in rejecting such acts, stating, “We stand firmly with our forces and government for a fitting response.”
BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi led a joint march in Jammu’s Satwari area, alongside the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and other groups, demanding action against Pakistan and its terrorist networks. Former MP Ch. Lal Singh accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, urging the government to deliver justice.
Muslim organizations in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Banihal, and Udhampur also held protests, condemning the attack and calling for strict measures against the perpetrators. The National Conference, led by workers and joined by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s sons, staged demonstrations to protest the killings.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Jammu Bar Association (JBA), All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Association, and Jammu Traders Association called for a bandh and organized protest marches. These groups condemned Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism and expressed solidarity with the victims.
In the Union Territory of Ladakh, a half-day shutdown was observed on Wednesday to protest the Pahalgam attack. Civil society, religious organizations, and political parties, including the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association, Anjuman Moin Ul Islam, Anjuman Imamia, Christian Association, Merchant Association, and All Ladakh Trade Alliance, united in condemning the killings. Kunzes Dolma, Vice President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, highlighted the collective resolve against terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack, where terrorists opened fire near a meadow on Tuesday afternoon, marked a grim milestone as the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The unified response—marked by protests, shutdowns, and pro-India sentiments—signals a significant shift in the region’s stance against terrorism. For the first time since the onset of militancy, the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have come together to reject violence and demand justice, sending a powerful message of unity and resilience. |
