Kashmir grieves for slain tourists; complete shutdown today

 

Kashmir is mourning the killing of 24 tourists in a militant attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. In a rare show of unity, political parties, religious leaders, trade groups, travel associations, and civil society organisations have called for a complete shutdown on Tuesday to express sorrow and protest the tragedy.

 

Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was the first to appeal for the shutdown. She urged the people of Kashmir to come together in support of the victims.

 

"I appeal to all Kashmiris to support the bandh called by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost," she said. The National Conference also supported the call. Acting on the directions of party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, the party said, "JKNC joins the collective call for a bandh to strongly condemn the Pahalgam terror attack."

 

Religious leaders also backed the shutdown. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), called the killings "a heinous crime" and urged people to observe a peaceful protest. Quoting the Quran, he wrote, "Whoever kills an innocent soul... it is as if he had slain mankind entirely." He called the attack "another day of bloodshed in Kashmir’s painful history" and said it goes against the teachings of Islam and humanity.

 

The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, also supported the bandh, asking people to stand united in mourning.

Sajad Gani Lone, president of the People’s Conference, supported the call and encouraged silent protests across towns and villages. "I ask people to express their anger in a peaceful way," he said.

 

The business community has also joined the protest. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK), Hoteliers Club, travel agents, transporters, and restaurant owners said they will take part in the shutdown. "This barbaric act must be condemned by all," said CCIK president Tariq Rashid Ghani.

 

The tourism sector, which supports thousands of jobs, has been deeply affected. Industry leaders called the attack "a desperate attempt to damage peace and tourism in the Valley."

 

The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) said all member schools will remain closed on Tuesday as a sign of mourning.

In Pahalgam, locals, hoteliers, cab drivers, and 'pony wallahs' held a candlelight protest. Cab drivers said they would offer free rides to tourists as a gesture of support.

India