Latest news with #KashmirBandh
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan suspends visas for Indian nationals amid rising tensions over Pahalgam terror attack
There's growing tensions between India and Pakistan following a horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir wherein 26 tourists were brutally killed by terrorists. Soon after, India asked Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours. In retaliation, Pakistan too has suspended all visa services for Indian nationals under an exemption scheme. The government of Pakistan has also imposed a series of retaliatory measures against India. Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced several countermeasures on Thursday (April 24). These measures also include expelling Indian diplomats, minimising the number of Indian High Commission staff in Pakistan to 30, along with shutting its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines. Not only this, the trade relations between India and Pakistan have also been suspended. Indian defence, naval, and air advisers in Pakistan have been asked to leave by April 30. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish the criminals and their supporters. "Our enemies have dared to attack the soul of the country. India's spirit will not be broken by terrorism," he declared. The move comes soon after Indian authorities identified two of the four suspected terrorists as Pakistani nationals. But Pakistan has denied any such involvement, calling it a baseless accusation. The Pahalgam attack is being called one of the most heartwrenching in the valley in recent years. The heinous crime was targeted at tourists from across India, including a naval officer on honeymoon, a local tour guide, and a businessman vacationing, among others. Their killing has sparked nationwide grief. In retaliation, India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and shut the Attari-Wagah land border along with suspending the Indus Water Treaty, a longstanding water-sharing agreement with Pakistan. Pakistan now has warned that any move to tamper with the treaty would be considered an "Act of War." On the other hand, more than 1,500 people in Kashmir have reportedly been detained for questioning. On April 23, Kashmir Bandh was called wherein local authorities and residents came out on streets to protest and grieve the deaths of innocent tourists who were targeted and killed in the act of terror.
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Schools Closed In Rajouri Amid Shutdown Call
All government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district remained closed on Wednesday, April 23, in view of a complete shutdown in the Kashmir valley issued by various associations in the area, according to an official statement. According to the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Rajouri, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure in response to the call for a shutdown, which was called by various associations and political parties in solidarity with the victims and condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of innocent tourists. Meanwhile, as the nation comes to terms with the devastating loss, political parties as well as traders' unions in the region today have collectively called for a complete shutdown in the Kashmir valley in solidarity with the victims' families and condemnation of the attack. Speaking to ANI on the complete shutdown in the valley, Bashir Ahmad Kongposh, General Secretary of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association, said that the complete shutdown was to show a strong condemnation and protest against the Pahalgam terror attack. "Following the heart-wrenching incident that happened yesterday, the Kashmir traders and manufacturers association will be in complete shutdown today. We have protested against it and condemn this act as strongly as possible. Islam doesn't allow such things where people get killed... It is the death of humanity... We are really against these acts... Yesterday we had a meeting on the shutdown... We also want to keep these acts away from the region... In solidarity, we have called for a total shutdown in response to the attack," Kongposh said. Business communities in Poonch also held protests, calling for a complete shutdown in response to the terror attack on Tuesday. Earlier on Tuesday, several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir extended their support to the call for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown) on Wednesday to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and show solidarity with the victims' families. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has appealed to the people to make the Bandh a "complete success" and condemn the attack. In a social media post on X, JKNC wrote, "On the instruction of the Party President, JKNC joins the collective call for a bandh in strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We appeal to the people of J&K to ensure the hartal called by religious and social leaders is a complete success." Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has expressed solidarity with the victims' families and supported the shutdown, calling it an "attack on all of us". Jammu-Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has termed the attack an "assault on the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir" and has also extended its support to the Bandh. All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to support the shutdown and peacefully protest against the "heinous crime".
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'Death Of Humanity": Shutdown Across Valley To Protest Pahalgam Attack
New Delhi: Normal life came to a standstill as trade, travel, industry, transport and educational institutions observed a total shutdown to protest the terror attack in Jammu Kashmir's Pahalgam, that killed 26 people. Across the Valley, political, religious, social and professional organisations condemned the killing of tourists at the famous Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. Bashir Ahmad Kongposh, General Secretary of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association, told ANI that the complete shutdown was to show a strong condemnation and protest against the Pahalgam terror attack. "Islam doesn't allow such things where people get killed, it is the death of humanity. We want to keep these acts away from the region," Kongposh said. Protests were held in several parts of Jammu city, with many protesters raising anti-Pakistan slogans and demanding surgical strikes to destroy terror bases in the neighbouring country. Shops and business establishments remained closed, and public transport was off the roads in response to the shutdown call given by several civil society groups and trade bodies. Several educational institutions were closed, and attendance was lower than usual in government offices. The Jammu Bar Association also observed shut down against the killings. Several organisations, including the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Transporters Association, Jammu Bar Association, and the Congress, called for a complete shutdown in Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir: In Udhampur, hundreds of students protest after the Pahalgam terror attack, chanting patriotic slogans and waving the tricolor. Filled with anger and grief, they demand justice for the victims and condemn Pakistan — IANS (@ians_india) April 23, 2025 In Reasi, hundreds of people took out a march and burnt tyres as a mark of protest. A shutdown was also observed in Udhampur, Katra, Kathua and Samba. Business communities in Poonch also held protests, calling for a complete shutdown in response to the terror attack. On Tuesday, several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir had extended their support to the call for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown), with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) appealing to people to make the Bandh a "complete success". Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed solidarity with the victims' families and supported the shutdown, calling it an "attack on all of us." Security agencies released the sketches of three men suspected to be involved in the terror attack. The men, all three Pakistanis, are Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha, officials said. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
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First Post
23-04-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Schools shut, streets deserted.. What Kashmir looks like a day after the Pahalgam terror attack
A day after the barbaric Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, widespread condemnation has poured in from across the political spectrum and the public in the Valley. Locals are observing a 'Kashmir Bandh' and 'Jammu Bandh', denouncing the violence and expressing solidarity with the victims read more Security personnel patrol a street the morning after militants indiscriminately opened fire on tourists near Pahalgam in Kashmir, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. AP The echoes of tragedy are reverberating across Kashmir. A day after the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that left at least 26 dead, including two foreign nationals, and 11 others injured, the valley has come to a standstill in a unified show of mourning and protest. The attack, which occurred Tuesday afternoon in the Baisaran Valley, a well-known tourist destination near Pahalgam, saw heavily armed terrorists open indiscriminate firing on a group of tourists. Most of the victims were visitors from various parts of India, with families and children. Advertisement In the wake of the attack, condemnation has poured in from across the political spectrum and the public in the valley. Leaders, locals, and civil society have united in denouncing the violence and have called for a 'Kashmir Band' to express solidarity with the victims. Catch all the live updates from the Pahalgam terror attack here Indian policemen guard in the city centre during a shutdown after tourists were killed, in Srinagar, Kashmir, Wednesday, April. 23, 2025. AP Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Pahalgam on Wednesday to assess the situation firsthand. PM Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, also cut his trip short and returned to India to chair a high-level cabinet meeting in the aftermath of the carnage. Here's what is happening a day after the deadly assault. Valley observes a 'Kashmir Bandh' For the first time in 35 years, Kashmir observed a complete shutdown in response to a terrorist attack. The shutdown, widely termed the 'Kashmir Bandh' and 'Jammu Bandh', wasn't limited to political circles. It was a joint call backed by business chambers, trade associations, transport unions, student groups, restaurant owners, and civil society organisations. Even rival political parties, including the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Apni Party, stood together in rare unanimity. For the first time in 35 years, Kashmir observed a complete shutdown in response to a terrorist attack. It was backed by business chambers, trade associations, transport unions, student groups, restaurant owners, and civil society organisations. AP Leading the protest were groups like the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) and the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), who urged citizens to pause their daily routines as a mark of respect to the victims. 'This is not just a tragedy — it's a wake-up call,' said Iqbal Tramboo, a prominent hotelier from Srinagar, speaking to Deccan Herald. 'An attack on tourists is unprecedented and deeply disturbing. We must speak with one voice to condemn this violence and show that Kashmiris reject terror in all forms.' Advertisement On Tuesday evening, protest demonstrations and candlelight vigils were held in several districts of the valley, including Rajouri, Kathua, Ramban, and Reasi, with slogans condemning terrorism and affirming solidarity with the victims. #WATCH | Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of Pahalgam Taxi Association, says, "I condemn this attack. It is not just tourists, but our livelihood, our families. We don't consider them tourists. It is as if our family members have been killed. I request the government to get to the… — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025 Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed deep anguish over the incident and backed the bandh. 'A united stand against violence is the need of the hour,' she said, urging all communities to come together in solidarity. Advertisement The ruling National Conference echoed the sentiment, calling on people to ensure the bandh was a 'complete success' and to stand firm in condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah labelled the incident an 'abomination' and extended condolences to the families affected. Schools shut, exams cancelled In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, all schools across Kashmir shut their gates on Wednesday as a mark of protest, reported News18. The Jammu-Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has termed the attack an 'assault on the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir' and backed the Kashmir Bandh. Security officers patrol a shopping area in Pahalgam a day after militants indiscriminately opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. AP Jammu University cancelled all academic work and postponed its exams for the day. Kashmir University did the same, announcing that new dates would be shared soon. Local newspapers turn front pages black In a striking show of grief and resistance, leading newspapers in Kashmir turned their front pages completely black on Wednesday, mourning the lives lost and protesting against the brutality of the attack. Major English and Urdu dailies such as Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Tameel Irshad replaced traditional front-page layouts with black backgrounds, using only stark white or blood-red fonts to convey the horror of the tragedy. STORY | Kashmir newspapers print front page black to protest Pahalgam terror attack READ: — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2025 Advertisement 'Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving,' read the cover headline of Greater Kashmir, followed by a chilling red subhead: '26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.' Rising Kashmir opted for a similarly haunting presentation. Its front page read, 'Terror strikes Pahalgam,' with the letter 'O' in 'Terror' designed to resemble a red gunshot wound. The coordinated editorial blackout served as a collective cry of anguish and a call for accountability. Other papers carried similar messages, lamenting what they expressed as one of the darkest days in recent memory for the Valley. With input from agencies
Mint
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: From Shubman Gill to Yuvraj Singh, Indian cricketers post heartfelt reactions on social media
A horrific terrorist attack took place in the serene Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on the 22nd of April, Tuesday when a joyful tourist outing was turned into a nightmare. Around Four to six terrorists opened fire on innocent civilians, claiming several lives. After the tragedy, the Indian cricketing community have responded on the unfortunate event. Players like Shubman Gill, Yuvraj Singh, and Virender Sehwag among others posted hearted reactions on their social media handles. "Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country," Shubman Gill posted. Former Indian cricketer, Yuvraj Singh wrote, 'Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Praying for the victims and for the strength of their families. Let us stand united in hope and humanity.' At least 26 people, mostly tourists, including two foreigners, were killed and many others injured in a terrorist attack in South Kashmir's picturesque Pahalgam hill station of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack happened on a day when US Vice President JD Vance was in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind Tuesday's attack, one of the deadliest in Kashmir's recent past. Between 2.45 and 3 PM, a group of gunmen descended from nearby forests. The militants opened fire killing and injuring people. Eyewitnesses quoted by different media outlets said the gunmen in military uniforms started firing indiscriminately, triggering fear among the tourists. The absence of vehicles in the vicinity added to the panic. Jammu and Kashmir is observing a complete shutdown today, April 23, to express collective grief and protest against the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This is the first complete shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Before 2019, the shutdown calls usually came from separatist outfits. The shutdown, termed Kashmir Bandh and Jammu Bandh, is jointly called by business chambers, trade bodies, transporters, students, and civil society. Mainstream political parties National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Apni Party have also extended support to the call. First Published: 23 Apr 2025, 12:04 PM IST
