Srinagar: Worried about the safety of their kith and kin residing, studying or doing business in rest of the India, Kashmiris continued protests against Pahalgam terror attack
For the third consecutive day, protests rocked Srinagar in response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 27 people, mostly tourists. The protests focused around the historic Lal Chowk Clock Tower and Press Enclave in the city besides Dal Lake, the famed tourist attraction.
Various groups, including civil society members, traders, political parties and government employees, gathered to condemn the killings and show solidarity with the victims. In Lal Chowk, black flags waved from shop rooftops, while shopkeepers in the Fruit Mandi displayed placards and banners.
The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) also staged a protest at Press Enclave, condemning the attack and appealing to the government to ensure the safety of Kashmiris living in other states, where they face harassment and threats following such incidents.
Employees from minority communities participated in the protests, demanding justice and security for everyone. One protester holding candles and banners said, “This is not just about Kashmir or tourists; it’s about humanity. The attackers must be brought to justice.”
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Kashmir se aayi ek awaaz – Hindu Muslim Bhai Bhai” (A voice from Kashmir – Hindus and Muslims are brothers) and “Tourist ka Qatl-e-Aam Band Karo” (Stop the massacre of tourists), echoing their condemnation and calls for peace.
Security forces were deployed in large numbers at both Lal Chowk and Press Enclave to ensure that the protests remained peaceful.
Shikara pullers in Dal Lake protested the massacre displaying placards denouncing terrorism.
Srinagar’s heart, Lal Chowk took the lead with black flags flooding the city’s commercial. Black flags adorned shops and were visible on shutters along the entire stretch of Lal Chowk’s business center. Shopkeepers expressed their sorrow and anger over the incident, saying the flags represented a demonstration of solidarity with those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and businessmen in different parts of the country amid rising reports of harassment following the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists.
Speaking at a hurriedly arranged press conference in Srinagar, (KCCI) President Javed Tenga condemned the deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, terming it an ‘inhuman and tragic’ incident.
“While our hearts bleed for the victims, we are extremely concerned about the harassment being faced by Kashmiri students and businessmen. We appeal to the honourable Prime Minister and Home Minister to intervene immediately and ensure their safety,” Tenga said.
He said that there were always some fringe elements, who use these tragic moments to stoke hate.
Referring to a complete shutdown observed across the Valley in protest, Tenga said it was not merely a symbolic gesture but a collective expression of grief and unity against violence.
