Kashmir valley shuts down over Pahalgam terror attack, first in 35 yrs
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Srinagar: In a historic response, the Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday to protest a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, a move believed to be the first of its kind in 35 years. The bandh was supported by organisations and communities across all walks of life, united in grief and anger over the killings at the popular tourist destination.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, left at least 26 people dead—most of them tourists—and several others injured. The strike, carried out by unidentified terrorists, shocked the region and drew widespread condemnation.
As a result, normal life came to a standstill in many parts of the Valley. In Srinagar, most shops, fuel stations, and commercial establishments remained shut, with only those dealing in essential commodities staying open. Public transport was scarce, though private vehicles continued to operate. Private schools across the region were closed, while government-run schools remained open, officials said.
Protests erupted in several locations across the Valley, where people gathered peacefully to denounce the killings and called for an end to the targeting of innocent civilians. The bandh received wide-ranging support from political parties, socio-religious organisations, trade bodies, and civil society groups. Among the political entities backing the shutdown were the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples’ Conference, and the Apni Party.
The Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), a coalition of various religious organisations led by Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, urged people across Jammu and Kashmir to mark their protest with a peaceful shutdown. “The Islamic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, through Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), in support and solidarity with the bereaved families of those killed, appeal to people of Jammu and Kashmir to peacefully protest this heinous crime,” said Mirwaiz.
Several business and tourism bodies, including the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, echoed similar sentiments, urging members to observe the shutdown in solidarity. The Private Schools’ Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) also joined the protest by announcing the closure of all private schools on Wednesday. The University of Kashmir postponed all scheduled examinations as a mark of respect for the victims.
Security has been intensified throughout the Valley in the wake of the attack. Officials confirmed that personnel were deployed in large numbers at key locations, including tourist spots, city entry and exit points, and other strategic installations across districts. Multiple checkpoints have been set up, with security forces conducting vehicle and individual frisking operations.
A massive search operation was also underway in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to track down the perpetrators of the attack. Additional forces were deployed at the site and surrounding areas to ensure safety and maintain law and order.
The rare shutdown not only marked a collective stand against terrorism but also underscored the growing intolerance towards violence among the people of Kashmir. The unified response from civil society, political leadership, and religious bodies reflected deep anguish, but also a shared demand for peace and security in the region.
With PTI inputs
