SRINAGAR: A complete shutdown is being observed across the Kashmir Valley today in protest against the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead. The strike, called by traders, travel agencies, and transporters, has led to the closure of all shops, business establishments, schools, and colleges.
Lal Chowk in Srinagar, the commercial hub, remained completely closed, with deserted streets reflecting the widespread mourning. Meanwhile, Srinagar airport witnessed an unusual rush, as many tourists tried to leave early, resulting in long queues at departure gates.
Following the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Police Control Room (PCR) in Batamaloo to pay tributes to the deceased. Amit Shah later left for Pahalgam to visit the site of the attack. Authorities have enforced unprecedented security measures across Jammu and Kashmir, and a red alert has been issued in Delhi and other major cities.
Political Reactions and Condemnations
All India Congress Committee (AICC) National General Secretary and Member of Parliament, KC Venugopal, condemned the attack, calling it a “shocking and condemnable incident” and said it deserved a “befitting reply”. He said that senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, had spoken with the Union Home Minister and the JK Chief Minister, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
In Srinagar, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack during a protest at Ghanta Ghar. She extended an apology to the nation on behalf of the people of Kashmir and urged Amit Shah to ensure swift action against the perpetrators. “This attack is not only on innocent lives but on Kashmiriyat itself,” she said, describing the incident as cowardly and shameful.
Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader, Sunil Sharma Wednesday said that those behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack will not be spared and will be brought to justice.
Speaking with reporters outside Police Control Room (PCR) Srinagar, Sharma, said PM Modi has cut short his foreign visit and returned to India in view of the incident.
“This attack is an act of extreme cruelty. Those who are involved or supported the attackers will be punished. No one will be spared,” Sharma said.
He added that those who killed innocent people have crossed all limits of humanity. “They are not just enemies of peace but enemies of mankind. We will go after them and eliminate them one by one,” he said.
Protests in Other Areas
In Kangan and Ganderbal, local traders staged demonstrations, shutting down shops and marching through the towns in protest. The protestors demanded justice for the victims and called on authorities to protect civilians and restore peace.
A trader participating in the protest said the attack had harmed both lives and livelihoods and created fear in the region. “We are deeply disturbed by what happened in Pahalgam. The government must act to prevent such incidents in future,” he said.
Protests were held in Srinagar, Sopore, Tangmarg, Baramulla, Handwara, Bandipora, Kupwara, and other parts of the Valley. Several protests were witnessed in Jammu region as well.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) has announced that it will hold a peaceful sit-in protest at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) today at 2:00 PM.
