Srinagar, Apr 23 (UNI) For the first time in the 35-year-old history of terrorism in Kashmir, the common people on Wednesday publicly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, as the Valley observed a complete shutdown against the dastardly act.

Alongside the shutdown, protests erupted in several parts of Kashmir, with people taking to the streets to decry the savage attack



The attack, which took place at a meadow near the famed tourist destination of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, claimed the lives of 27 tourists and a local resident.

The brutal incident has plunged Kashmir into mourning.



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 prominent trade bodies, transport associations, and civil society groups also gave the strike call, with the mainstream political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), extending their support.



Officials said that all shops, schools, and business establishments remained closed in the capital city Srinagar, with public transport largely keeping 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 here to maintain law and order.



Despite the widespread shutdown, officials said 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. Before the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, shutdowns were a common occurrence, often called by separatist groups.







Srinagar’s city centre, a former separatist citadel, erupted with protests, with scores holding placards and black flags denouncing the killings.

Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, led a march towards Ghanta Ghar and apologised to the countrymen over the attack.



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.



JK's ruling National Conference too held a protest march here led by chief minister’s Advisor Nasir Wani. Omar Abdullah’s sons – Zamir and Zahir– also participated in the march.



“It was a black day for all of us. This was an attack on Kashamiyat, as we are known world over for hospitality,” party spokesperson Imran Dar said. The party demanded punishment for the culprits.

Candlelight protests were also held in the evening.

The BJP also organised a protest march in Srinagar, which was led by its J&K unit President Sat Sharma, General Secretary (Organisation) 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.

The traders held a protest in the city square Lal Chowk.

The students and scholars of the University of Kashmir joined a peaceful protest on the campus.

The media too, joined in the protest, with several leading newspapers here printing their front pages in black on Wednesday to express grief against the horrific attack.



In Jammu, a shutdown was observed alongside widespread anti-Pakistan protests, as residents took to the streets to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and express solidarity with the victims



Meanwhile, in wake of the attack in Pahalgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called all party meeting on Thursday to discuss and deliberate on the path ahead in ensuring peace, justice and resilience.



Omar said he has sent letters of invitation to all major political parties, all members of parliament from J&K and the Leader of the Opposition in the Union Territory's Assembly.

In a letter to his father and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar said the loss of innocent lives and the anguish inflicted on civilians have deeply shaken them all.







“This is not merely a tragedy for a region or a party- it is a wound upon the very soul of Jammu & Kashmir. In this sombre moment, I believe it is our collective duty-as representatives of the people and as custodians of democratic values, to come together irrespective of our political affiliations and stand united in our response,” the letter read.







“I am, therefore, convening an all-party meeting to discuss the situation, express our joint condemnation of this act of terror and deliberate on the path ahead in ensuring peace, justice and resilience,” he said.







The meeting is scheduled on Thursday at 3 PM at SKICC, Srinagar.







“Your presence and counsel will be of great value as we shape a common voice that reflects the strength and solidarity of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” the letter added.







“I extend this invitation not just in my official capacity, but as a friend and a fellow citizen who shares your anguish and concern. Let us come together as partners in the service of our people- in this hour of pain and resolve,” Omar wrote. UNI MJR SSP