Kashmir shuts down, erupts in protest over Pahalgam terror attack
Srinagar, April 23 (UNI) A complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir on Wednesday in protest against the deadliest terror attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
Protests also erupted in several parts of Kashmir, with people taking to the streets to condemn the brutal attack.
The attack, which took place at a meadow near the famed tourist destination of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
The shutdown was called by Hurriyat leader and head of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in protest against the gruesome killings. The strike call was also given by prominent trade bodies, transport associations, and civil society groups. Mainstream political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), extended their support to the strike.
Officials said all shops, schools, and business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, while public transport was largely off the roads. Major towns across the Valley also reported a near-total shutdown. A heavy deployment of security forces was seen in sensitive areas of the capital city to maintain law and order.
Despite the widespread shutdown, officials said that no incident of violence was reported from any part of the Valley.
This is the first such complete shutdown witnessed in Kashmir in the past several years. Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 shutdowns were a common occurrence, often called by separatist groups.
A pall of gloom has descended in Kashmir after the killing of the tourists.
Meanwhile, several protests were held across Kashmir against the attack. In Srinagar, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti led the party leaders and workers protest which culminated at the city centre.
She said the Kashmirs are ashamed of the attack on tourists.
"I want to tell the people of the country that we are ashamed... We stand with you in this time of pain. The government should nab the perpetrators so that they are given exemplary punishment… I want to apologise to the people of our country," she told reporters.
The ruling National Conference too held a protest in Srinagar. The protest was led by JK chief minister's Advisor Nasir Wani. Omar Abdullah's sons – Zamir and Zahir– also participated in the protest march.
' It was a black day for all of us . This was an attack on Kashmiriyat as we are known world over for hospitality,' party spokesperson Imran Dar said. The party demanded punishment to the culprits.
The BJP also organized a protest march in Srinagar which was led by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma, BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, and other senior leaders.
Participants held placards reading 'stop killing innocents,' 'down with terrorism' and 'we want peace.'
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) observed a two-minute silence at the party's office to express deep sorrow and solidarity over the attack.
The traders also held a protest at Lal Chowk. The students and scholars of University of Kashmir held a peaceful protest on the campus.
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