SRINAGAR — A complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir on Wednesday in protest against the deadliest militant attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
Businesses and educational institutions across Kashmir are shut in protest against the attack that killed more than 20 people on Tuesday. Public transport facilities have also been affected.
Protests also erupted in several parts of Kashmir, with people taking to the streets to condemn the brutal attack.
The shutdown was called by Hurriyat leader and head of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in protest against the gruesome killings.
The strike call was also given by prominent trade bodies, transport associations, and civil society groups.
Mainstream political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), extended their support to the strike.
Officials said all shops, schools, and business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, while public transport was largely off the roads. Major towns across the Valley also reported a near-total shutdown.
A heavy deployment of security forces was seen in sensitive areas of the capital city to maintain law and order.
Despite the widespread shutdown, officials said that no incident of violence was reported from any part of the Valley.
This is the first such complete shutdown witnessed in Kashmir in the past several years. Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, shutdowns were a common occurrence, often called by separatist groups.
A pall of gloom has descended in Kashmir after the killing of the tourists.
Meanwhile, several protests were held across Kashmir against the attack.
In Srinagar, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti led the party leaders and workers protest, which culminated at the city centre.
She said the Kashmiris are ashamed of the attack on tourists. “I want to tell the people of the country that we are ashamed… We stand with you in this time of pain. The government should nab the perpetrators so that they are given exemplary punishment… I want to apologise to the people of our country,” she told reporters.
The ruling National Conference too held a protest in Srinagar. The protest was led by J&K Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Wani. Omar Abdullah’s sons — Zamir and Zahir — also participated in the protest march.
“It was a black day for all of us. This was an attack on Kashmiriyat as we are known world over for hospitality,” party spokesperson Imran Dar said. The party demanded punishment for the culprits.
The BJP also organized a protest march in Srinagar which was led by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma, BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, and other senior leaders.
Participants held placards reading “stop killing innocents,” “down with terrorism” and “we want peace.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) observed a two-minute silence at the party’s office to express deep sorrow and solidarity over the attack.
Meanwhile, investigations into the attack continue. A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Srinagar and more teams are expected to follow.
Many top security officials are also expected to visit Pahalgam.
It is pertinent to mention here that gunmen, suspected to be militants from The Resistance Front, opened fire, killing at least 25 tourists in Pahalgam, a picturesque Himalayan town, on Tuesday afternoon. Reports suggest that there are a large number of wounded, with some in critical condition.
The attack took place in Baisaran, a mountain-top meadow three miles (5km) from Pahalgam.
Survivors have been recounting the horrific moments after they stepped off a tourist bus – one woman, who claimed the attackers targeted men, said her husband died from a single shot to the head, according to the Indian Express newspaper.
Another spoke of the chaos as people began screaming and running after the first gunshots.
The chief minister, Omar Abdullah, said Tuesday’s attack was “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, has cut short his trip and returned to India.
Upon his arrival, Modi held a brief meeting at the airport to take stock of the situation with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials, state news outlet Doordarshan said.
As a precaution, authorities have tightened security in Delhi following yesterday’s attack in Pahalgam. Strict security checks are being implemented, especially in tourist areas, according to the PTI news agency.
Checkpoints have also been set up in the Kashmir valley, officials say.
Pertinently, the attack in Pahalgam took place during US Vice President JD Vance’s four-day visit to India with his family. The vice-president was in the western city of Jaipur when the attacks occurred.
Vance and his wife Usha have extended their condolences to the victims of the attack in a post on X.
“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, global leaders have expressed condemnation for the attack on civilians in Pahalgam.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered his condolences to the victims’ families. “Attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances,” he said.
US President Donald Trump said he had already spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the attack.
“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies,” Donald Trump said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her sympathies and said that she was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Italy expresses its closeness to the families affected, the injured, the Government and all the Indian people,” she wrote in a post on X.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the attack was “utterly devastating”. “My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India,” Sir Keir Starmer said.
UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack and said it permanently rejected “all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law”.
