Srinagar, Apr 23 (KNO): Kashmir observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday as grief grips the region following Tuesday’s deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 28 civilians, mostly tourists and left several others injured. Anger and anguish spilled onto the streets, especially the city centre Lal Chowk as political parties, civil society groups and trade bodies held protest demonstrations condemning the deadly terror attack.
As reported by the news agency - Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar city, reverberated with powerful chants like “Insaan Ka Qatle Aam Band Karo,” symbolising the collective grief and fury felt across the valley.
All shops in the commercial hub Lal Chowk and other districts of the valley remained shut. The usually bustling Jamia Market and commercial pockets of Downtown and uptown Srinagar also remained closed, including bakeries and essential stores.
“I have not seen Lal Chowk this silent in years. It feels like the city itself is grieving,” said Irfan Ahmad, a resident.
A shopkeeper in Lal Chowk said they received formal calls from trade bodies asking them to observe the shutdown. “We are with the victims. Today, business takes a backseat to humanity," he said.
Despite the widespread mourning, Srinagar International Airport saw an unusual rush of tourists trying to fly out early. Long queues formed at departure gates as uncertainty loomed over travel plans.
In Jammu division, a complete bandh was observed on Wednesday as political and social organisations from all walks of life supported the shutdown call to protest the deadly terror attack.
All markets, schools, transport services and private institutions remained closed in 10 districts of the division as people expressed solidarity with the victims and called for decisive action against terrorism. Only the shops dealing in essential commodities were open across the Jammu city. Public transport was also sparse, but private vehicles were plying normally.
From political parties to religious organisations and trade associations, condemnation was unanimous. Various social, political, and trade organisations took to the streets, leading to the deployment of additional police and paramilitary forces in sensitive areas to ensure peace and order.
Protests and candle light march continued from dawn to dusk. Normal life came to a standstill following a complete shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been beefed up across the region, especially at vital tourist spots. The effect of the shutdown was also witnessed in the other district headquarters of the Jammu division.
In Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) led a protest march from Nawa-e-Subha, the party’s headquarters, to Lal Chowk. The rally was headed by Nasir Aslam Wani, Adviser to the Chief Minister. Senior party leaders, workers and supporters marched while holding placards, demanding justice and calling for a high-level probe into the killings.
The presence of Omar Abdullah’s sons—Zamir Abdullah and Zahir Abdullah drew more attention as they walked with the protestors in a show of solidarity.
“This is not a political protest. This is a public expression of pain and anger. The people of Kashmir are united in grief and strongly condemn the attack. We will not allow this violence to define us,” NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said while speaking to the media.
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) held a protest at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), Lal Chowk, with party president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti leading the demonstration. Carrying black flags and banners, PDP workers raised slogans against terrorism and expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.
Speaking to reporters, Mufti strongly condemned the attack, saying, “The killing of innocent tourists is a direct attack on the values of Kashmiriyat. It has brought shame to the region. We are heartbroken and extend our deepest apologies to the people of the country.”
She urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to act swiftly and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. “We expect immediate and strict action. The government must deliver justice,” she added.
MLA Handwara and People's Conference (PC) president Sajad Lone strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, characterising it as a “dastardly and cowardly” act aimed at destabilising Kashmir's tourism industry and economy.
“For decades, we have been identified as great hosts. We have a history of hospitality. And some cowardly terrorists want to destroy it all,” Lone said, emphasising Kashmir's long-standing tradition of welcoming visitors.
As a show of solidarity against the recent innocent killings, the PC chief led a candlelight vigil at Polo View, Srinagar. He was joined by the party’s senior General Secretary Molvi Imran Reza Ansari.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a statement condemning the incident and demanding heightened security across all tourist zones. The party said that such acts were aimed at destabilising peace efforts and must be crushed with full force.
The Awami National Conference (ANC), led by senior Vice President Muzzafar Shah, held a protest against the killings.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of Janata Dal (United) also held the vigil, stressing unity against terrorism and support for the people of Kashmir. The joint call for peace and justice comes amid widespread outrage and grief over the tragic incident.
The shock and condemnation were not limited to political circles alone. Civil society and trade groups across the valley came forward in a unified protest against the attack.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) called the attack “an assault on Kashmir’s image and economy”, stressing that such incidents deeply affect tourism and business prospects in the region.
The students and scholars of the University of Kashmir held a peaceful protest on campus to condemn the inhuman and barbaric attack.
The representatives of the Tour and Taxi Operators of Association, Hotelier Associations, Radio Taxi Association of J&K, and the Auto Rickshaw Association staged symbolic protests at various locations in Srinagar.
“This attack is not just about the loss of lives; it is about the loss of trust,” said a member of Tour and Taxi Operators Association. “Tourism is the backbone of our economy. We appeal to the authorities to act decisively.”
The Shikara wallas and houseboat owners led a protest rally in Srinagar against the killings. They demanded that the administration take stringent steps to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent such tragedies in future.
The hotelier community echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to restore a sense of security in the region. “We cannot allow a single incident to destroy the hard-earned confidence that tourists have begun to show in Kashmir again,” said one of the hotel owners participating in the protest.
In north Kashmir’s Sopore, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), S A Raina led a solidarity rally alongside civil administration officers and local stakeholders. “The incident in Pahalgam is deeply unfortunate. Every human life is sacred and must be protected,” Raina said.
Sopore saw multiple peaceful demonstrations throughout the day, with residents calling for peace, unity and an end to bloodshed. “We want peace and progress, not more graves,” said one protester.
In Baramulla district, members of the Kashmiri Pandit community held a separate protest, demanding justice and accountability. Shouting slogans like “We Want Justice” and “Ensure Our Safety”, they urged authorities to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Bar Association Baramulla also condemned the attack, suspending court work as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims.
In towns like Tangmarg and Handwara, many called upon the central and J&K governments to enhance the security grid, fix intelligence lapses and rebuild public trust. "This is not just a terror attack - it's the murder of Kashmiriyat, said a protester in Tangmarg, adding that "killing our guests is unforgivable. We want the killers to be brought to justice and the peace of our land restored".
Security has been tightened across key areas, especially in tourist-heavy zones, with checkpoints and surveillance intensified.
On Tuesday evening, multiple organisations including religious leaders, trade bodies and political parties called for a complete shutdown on Wednesday to mourn the victims and protest the massacre.
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, through the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to observe a peaceful shutdown. In a post on X, the Mirwaiz quoted the Quran: “Whoever kills an innocent soul…it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” “This is another dark day in Kashmir’s blood-soaked history,” he wrote, adding, “Islam is a religion of peace and such brutality is unacceptable.”
The Grand Mufti of J&K, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, also backed the bandh, calling for solidarity with the victims’ families.
Noted lawyers from Kashmir, and Chamber and Bar Association Jammu also called for a complete bandh in protest—(KNO)