Jammu, Apr 23 (UNI) Expressing anger against the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, the people of Jammu on Wednesday unanimously staged anti-Pakistan protests amidst total shutdown in the region.
Shouting slogans against Pakistan, various religious, political, social bodies along with traders, lawyers and transporters held demonstrations at several places.
The protestors burnt tyres and Pakistani flags in protest demanding strict action against those behind the massacre.
The shutdown call was announced by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, which was supported by all the stakeholders urging people to unite to fight against the terrorism.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu expressed condemnation of the brutal terrorist attack terming it inhumane and senseless act of violence, targeting innocent civilians, is a stark reminder of the continued threat posed by those who seek to disrupt peace and harmony in the region.
The Bar Association members said, “We extend condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who have been injured, and we sincerely wish them a swift and full recovery.”
“We call upon the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice and that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. It is imperative that the spirit of unity, resilience, and justice guide us through this time of grief,” Advocate K Nirmal Kotwal, President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu said.
Aam Aadmi Party activists staged a protest and urged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi should erase the name of Pakistan from the map.
The protesters raised ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ slogans. Filled with anger against Pakistan, they said that the masters of the terrorists sitting in Pakistan should be wiped out by carrying out surgical strikes.
Manish Sahni, President, Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu-Kashmir unit said that terrorism should be completely eradicated and strong military action should be taken against their masters sitting in Pakistan, massacre of Hindus cannot be tolerated.
The Shiviks Sena leaders protested at Jammu-Bari Brahmana National Highway, burnt the effigy of terrorist organization 'TRF' and Pakistan which took responsibility for the attack, against the cowardly and nefarious terrorist attack on tourists by asking their religion in Baisaran village of Pahalgam.
Sahni demanded strong military action against the masters of these organizations sitting in Pakistan.
Sahni said that this is the biggest terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir after the 2019 Pulwama and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Once again, before the start of the Yatra, an attempt has been made to create fear by attacking tourists in the main base camp Pahalgam,” he said supporting the demand for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah by party MP and chief national spokesperson Sanjay Raut.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir also demanded to appoint a former high military and police officer as the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
President of Mission Statehood, J&K, Sunil Dimple led anti Pakistan protests and burnt Pak flags.
He thanked all the organizations, traders, transporters, people, youths for supporting, successful complete Jammu and Kashmir observed bandh.
Meanwhile, Congress workers during the protests also clashed with police when prevented from taking out a protest march in the city.
However, a joint protest march led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Yudhvir Sethi was also taken out in the Satwari area.
The activists of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and other social organisations also participated in the protests.
Former Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina said. “the killings of our brothers will be avenged and terrorists along with their local supporters will soon be eliminated.”
Railways, however, will run a special unreserved train from Katra to New Delhi for those who want to cut short their trip to Jammu and Kashmir and return to their respective destinations in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, said an official.
The special help desks have also been established at Jammu and Katra Railway Stations to facilitate the passengers.
Former Member Parliament and Congress leader Dr Karan Singh also urged people not to stay away from an upcoming Amarnath Yatra and Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming tourist season.
However, all the districts irrespective of caste, colour and creed, observed total shutdown across the Jammu region to condemn the terrorist attack on tourists.
UNI VBH SJC