Jahangeer Ganaie
Pahalgam, Apr 22: In a heartening show of resilience and unity, the people from multiple areas across Jammu and Kashmir organized candle light protests to express their sympathy with the tourists, who were attacked by the terrorists in Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Locals from Pahalgam organized a peaceful candlelight march to express their solidarity with the victims and send a message of peace to the world.
Scores of locals, including youth, shopkeepers, ponywalas, and hotel owners, gathered in the town square with candles and placards reading “We Stand for Peace” and “Tourists Are Our Guests.” The march moved through the main market, ending near the Lidder River, where participants held a moment of silence for those affected.
A local hotel owner said, “Tourism is our lifeline. Everything we have – our businesses, our livelihoods – depends on it. Without tourism, we can’t do anything. That’s why we are here, to show that Pahalgam stands united against violence and in favor of peace and hospitality.”
He said that terrorism of any kind has no space and all must work so that Kashmir continues to be famous for good things not bad.
Another local youth said, “We want to reassure all tourists that they are safe here. We condemn this attack in the strongest words and want the world to know that the people of Pahalgam welcome everyone with open arms.”
From Pahalgam to Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, Handwara, and Kupwara, people took to the streets carrying candles and placards, expressing anguish over the attack and reaffirming Kashmir’s age-old tradition of hospitality.
Protesters chanted slogans like “Stop Innocent Killings,” “Tourists Hamari Jaan Hai,” and “Stop Terrorism,” demanding that those responsible for the massacre be brought to justice.
In Handwara, residents sent out a strong message of resilience and unity. “People of Kashmir are with the tourists. Don’t fear—these acts will be answered. Our neighbouring country must stop its tactics to disrupt peace here,” one resident said, indirectly blaming cross-border elements for the attack.
The protesters not only expressed grief but also stood in defiance of terror, urging the rest of India and the world not to judge Kashmir by the actions of a few. Many said that the attack was meant to malign the region’s image and disturb the growing sense of peace.
The reports of candle light protests were also received from Srinagar’s Makkah Market, where the protesters condemned the attack.
The candle light protests were also held in Kupwara, Baramulla. Bajrang Dal workers also held a protest in Jammu.
Pertinently, dozens of tourists have reportedly been killed while many others wounded in a terror attack in Pahalgam area this afternoon, leaving the entire nation in shock and grief.
