Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, several political parties and organizations in Jammu and Kashmir have rallied behind the call for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown) on Wednesday, to express condemnation of the attack and solidarity with the victims’ families.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has strongly supported the shutdown and called on the public to ensure its success in protest against the brutal assault.
“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 party posted on X.
Similarly, Mehbooba Mufti, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), extended her solidarity to the victims’ families and voiced her support for the shutdown, highlighting the collective trauma caused by the attack.
“The Chamber and Bar Association Jammu has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow in protest against the horrific militant attack on tourists. I appeal to all Kashmiris to unite in solidarity to support this bandh as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost,” Mufti said, adding that the attack was “an attack on all of us.”
The Jammu-Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also condemned the terror attack, calling it an “assault on the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir,” and declared their full support for the Bandh.
“JKSA fully supports the bandh called by the Chamber & Bar Association Jammu tomorrow, in response to the Terrorist Attack on tourists in Pahalgam. This tragic assault is not just an attack on a few individuals; it is an assault on the very soul of Jammu & Kashmir,” JKSA posted on X.
In addition, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, condemned the killings and appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to support the shutdown and protest peacefully.
“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,” Farooq said. He further urged the people to show their support through a peaceful protest.
Abdul Majid Wani, leader of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, emphasized the need for both central and state government action against the perpetrators, while urging the government to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.
“No religion says to kill anyone. One who kills anyone does not belong to any religion. The central government and state government should take action against those responsible for such attacks,” Wani said.
The Pahalgam terror attack has sparked widespread national outrage. In response, candlelight marches were organized by residents across Jammu and Kashmir, including in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara, to honor the victims.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible,” PM Modi said. He further pledged that the perpetrators would face justice.
In light of the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security meeting to assess the situation, and Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated a search operation in the Baisran area of Pahalgam, Anantnag.