Srinagar, Apr 22 (KNS): In the wake of the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, various political, religious, and social groups in Jammu and Kashmir have united in support of a complete shutdown call on April 23, 2025.
JKNC Joins Shutdown Protest
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has joined the collective bandh call, condemning the attack. In a post on X, the party announced, "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."
PSAJK Calls for School Closures
The Private Schools' Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has also condemned the attack and decided to observe a day of mourning and protest on April 23. All private schools across the region will remain closed to express grief and solidarity with the victims' families. PSAJK President G N Var expressed, "We strongly condemn the terrorist attack at Pahalgam and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims. Closing our schools is a small gesture to express our grief and outrage."
Business and Travel Bodies Back the Bandh
Business and travel trade bodies, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) and the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), have also called for a bandh tomorrow.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTariq Rashid Ghani, President of CCIK, stated, "We have called for a Kashmir Bandh on April 23 against this barbaric act of violence." The shutdown is expected to include the closure of businesses, transport services, and establishments across the Valley.
Religious and Political Leaders Join Protest Calls
Prominent religious and political leaders have also voiced their support for the shutdown. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, through the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), condemned the attack, stating, "Such gruesomeness is abhorred in Islam, which is a religion of peace and goodwill. The Islamic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir stands with the bereaved families and calls for peaceful protests tomorrow."
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam and JDU President G. M. Shaheen have both condemned the attack and supported the bandh call. Sajad Lone, leader of the People’s Conference, expressed his support for the shutdown, urging unity and peaceful protests across the region. “I appeal to people of Kashmir to express their outrage in whatever form against the brutal killings in Pahalgam,” said Sajad.
The shutdown call is a unified response from political, religious, and civil society groups demanding justice and an end to violence in the region. (KNS)