Phagwara unites in protest over terror attack
In a citywide response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the city witnessed a complete bandh on Saturday following a call by the Shiv Sena and various trader associations. The shutdown was observed in protest against the killing of 28 tourists, with shops, commercial establishments, government offices, banks and schools remaining closed throughout the day.
Even establishments that had initially remained open shut their doors following appeals by the protest organisers. Extensive security arrangements were made by local police under the leadership of SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti. The situation was closely monitored by Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora to ensure peace and order.
Protesters, waving placards and shouting slogans against terrorism and Pakistan, rallied through the city. Shiv Sena leaders Inderjit Karwal, Deepak Bhardwaj and Rajesh Palta addressed a protest gathering attended by members of various Hindu organisations. The leaders strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling it a “heinous crime” that was “intolerable under any circumstances”. A protest march followed, during which effigies of Pakistan and terrorism were set ablaze amid loud and passionate
slogans.
Though markets wore a deserted look all day, both road and rail traffic continued to operate normally.
In a significant show of communal harmony, members of the Muslim community in Phagwara organised a protest march on Friday under the leadership of Jama Masjid President Kaasif ur-Rehman. Beginning at Jama Masjid, the march passed through Borr Wala Chowk, Kultham Chowk, Gandhi Chowk and Chatkaiyan Chowk before concluding at Gol Chowk.
Participants raised slogans condemning terrorism and Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border militancy. Effigies were again set on fire as a symbolic act of protest. Addressing mediapersons, Rehman stated, “Terrorism has no religion. We, the Muslims of Phagwara, condemn the Pahalgam attack in the strongest terms. Our religion teaches peace, not violence.” The demonstration remained peaceful, with full support from local police and administration.
Adding to the collective outpouring of grief, a candlelight march was held in the city on Saturday evening to honour the victims. In a rare display of political unity, representatives from Congress, BJP, SAD, AAP, BSP, General Samaj Manch and various social and religious bodies participated in the procession.
Starting from Hargobind Nagar, the march wound through major markets, drawing emotional responses from the public. Speakers from various organisations described the attack as “extremely unfortunate” and emphasised that “the pain of the victims’ families cannot be measured”. Participants called for strong action from the Indian government, urging unity against violence. “Our religion teaches peace, not violence,” one speaker echoed.
Prominent personalities including MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, former Market Committee Chairman Naresh Bhardwaj, Anita Som Prakash, Ashu Sampla, Ashok Sethi, Arun Khosla, Gurjit Walia, Tarunjeet Singh Walia, Harjinder Gogna, Anurag Mankhand, Tejasvi Bhardwaj, Sunil Chamm, Chander Rekha Nikki, Ashok Duggal, Satish Prabhakar, Harbans Lal, Pradeep Singh Basra, Jatinder Palahi, Inderjit Basra, Jaswinder Ghumman, Raju Chahal, Rajan Sharma and Avtar Singh were in attendance.
The march concluded near the National Flagless Pole along the national highway late in the evening. Many participants expressed anger and disappointment that the pole stood without the national flag, especially on such a solemn occasion.
Jalandhar