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The iconic Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, the site of numerous agitations and demonstrations, became the gathering point to condemn the massacre of innocent civilians
People hold a candlelight march against the Pahalgam terror attack, in Srinagar on April 23. (Image: PTI)
People poured into the streets across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday as political parties, trade bodies and socio-religious organisations rose up against terrorists who killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam. They all sent out a clear message across towns and villages: Not in our name.
The iconic Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, the site of numerous agitations and demonstrations over the course of Jammu and Kashmir’s disturbing history, became the gathering point to condemn the massacre of innocent civilians. Protesters expressed grief over the loss of lives in one of the deadliest terror strikes to take place in the Valley since Pulwama in 2019.
From the National Conference to the Peoples Democratic Party, political parties cutting across ideologies took out rallies from their respective offices that culminated at the historic square. They were joined by various trade and civil society groups, who held sit-ins. There were peaceful protests at several places across the Valley, with the protesters denouncing the attack and calling for stopping the killing of innocent people.
“This should not happen, not in the name of Kashmir and not in the name of Islam. Islamic teachings value human life to the point that taking an innocent life is akin to killing the entire humanity,” Haji Bashir Ahmad Dar, a resident of Srinagar city, told PTI.
Terrorists in camouflage uniforms emerged from the pine forest surrounding the Baisaran valley in Pahalgam and opened fire on civilians enjoying pony rides and picnics in the lush green meadows.
J&K GOVT ADVISES L-G TO CONVENE SPECIAL ASSEMBLY SESSION
The Jammu and Kashmir government sanctioned an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased victim in the terror attack in Pahalgam. The cabinet also decided to advise Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to convene a special session of the legislative assembly on April 28 in Jammu at 10.30 am.
“The council of ministers expressed profound grief and outrage over the tragic loss of innocent lives and the injuries sustained by civilians in this barbaric and cowardly act. It unequivocally condemned this senseless act of terror, which constitutes a direct assault on peace, unity and the democratic values cherished by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” an official spokesman said after the meeting.
The government said it stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the victims and reaffirms its steadfast commitment towards ensuring justice, strengthening security and upholding the indomitable spirit of brotherhood and resilience that defines J-K.
“The council of ministers emphasised the government’s firm determination to support in bringing the perpetrators of this horrific act to justice and take all necessary steps to safeguard the life and liberty of every citizen,” the spokesperson said.
The government employees across the Union Territory, J-K High Court and Jammu and Kashmir Bank held separate condolence meets and observed two-minute silence to pay tribute to the victims.
BANDH IN THE VALLEY, BUSINESSES REMAIN CLOSED
Several political parties and multiple organisations had called for a complete bandh in the Valley on Wednesday.
A majority of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were closed in Srinagar and other areas in Kashmir. Public transport was sparse and private schools remained closed.
At a protest in Kulgam, GM Banday, a fruit grower, said the government should take steps to eradicate the menace of terrorism so that incidents like the Baisaran attack do not recur. “Steps should be taken to uproot terrorism at the earliest so that such incidents do not happen again. People of Kashmir have always been against terrorism. However, conspiracies are being hatched to malign the Kashmiri community and hit the local economy. Such acts affect the livelihood of locals,” he said.
“We are protesting here to send a message to the world that Kashmiris are not with terrorism. We condemn the attack on tourists in Pahalgam,” said Tauseef Ahmad War, a social activist, who was among the protesters in Handwara town of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.
Civil society groups and political parties took out protests in other districts including Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag and Ganderbal. At some places, protests were held against Pakistan. The Jammu region witnessed massive anti-Pakistan protests staged by mainstream political parties and religious organisations.
Protests were also held by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu Bar Association, All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Association and Jammu Traders Association, as well as Shiv Sena Dogra Front and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal. Similar demonstrations were held in Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Katra, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Banihal, Ramban, Poonch and Rajouri.
(With PTI inputs)
- Location :
Srinagar, India, India