Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, several political groups in Jammu and Kashmir have called for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown) on April 23, 2025. The attack, which took place on April 22 in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, has led to widespread condemnation, with political leaders, local residents, and various organizations uniting in their grief and outrage.

Support for the Kashmir Bandh

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has been vocal in its support for the bandh, calling on the people of the region to make the shutdown a complete success as a sign of solidarity with the victims and their families. A statement from the party emphasized that this bandh is not merely a protest but a collective expression of pain and outrage against the senseless violence.

"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," the JKNC wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

PDP’s Reaction

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. In a post shared on X, Mufti described the attack as an "attack on all of us", emphasizing the communal impact of the assault. She urged all Kashmiris to unite and support the shutdown as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost.

"The Chamber and Bar Association Jammu has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow in protest against the horrific militant attack on tourists. I appeal all Kashmiris to unite in solidarity to support this bandh as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost in the brutal assault in Pahalgam," Mufti posted.

JKSA and Other Groups Show Support

The Jammu-Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), representing students across the region, termed the attack an "assault on the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir". They extended their full support to the bandh, adding that the attack was not just an assault on a few individuals, but on the identity and spirit of Kashmir itself. "JKSA fully supports the bandh called by the Chamber & Bar Association Jammu tomorrow, in response to the Terrorist Attack on tourists in Pahalgam," the JKSA posted.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has also called on the people of Jammu and Kashmir to peacefully protest the heinous act. Farooq, in his statement, condemned the attack as a "heinous crime" against humanity and urged the public to observe the shutdown. He further highlighted that such violence is contradictory to the teachings of Islam, which he said promotes peace and goodwill.

"Whoever kills an innocent soul...it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. Another day of carnage in the blood-soaked history of Kashmir, when visiting tourists are mercilessly killed in a most gruesome manner. Hapless people of Kashmir know the pain and grief of such tragedies for those who have lost their loved ones today," Farooq wrote.

Widespread Outrage and Protests

The attack in Pahalgam has sparked an outpouring of grief and anger across the nation. In several cities across Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara, locals have held candlelight marches to honor the victims of the attack and to demand justice. The marches were peaceful and displayed a unified stand against terrorism, with residents coming together to show solidarity.

In Jammu, Bajrang Dal workers organized protests, while locals in the Khod village in the Akhoor area also participated in the candlelight marches, voicing their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Aftermath and National Condemnation

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam is one of the most devastating assaults on tourists in recent years, sending shockwaves through the country. The attack targeted tourists in a remote area, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians during high-traffic tourist seasons. The brutality of the attack has led to unanimous condemnation from across the political spectrum.

Following the attack, the central government has intensified efforts to ensure security in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation, with security forces on high alert to prevent further attacks. Security agencies have also begun a detailed investigation into the origins and perpetrators of the assault.

What’s Next?

• Investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack are ongoing, with authorities seeking to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover any potential linkages to larger terror groups operating in the region.

• The Bandh today is expected to be widely observed, with political parties and civil society groups continuing to stand in solidarity against terrorism.

• Security protocols across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to remain heightened, with increased checks at tourist destinations, transportation hubs, and border areas.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam terror attack has left a deep scar on the region, not only claiming innocent lives but also raising questions about the growing threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. As political parties, civil groups, and local residents unite in a call for justice and peace, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. However, the strength of community solidarity and the demand for justice will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in these trying times.

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