Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Apr 24: For the third consecutive day, protests rocked Srinagar in response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. The protests focused around the historic Lal Chowk Clock Tower and Press Enclave in the city.
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.
A local shopkeeper expressed grief, saying, “We joined the protest to send a message that we, as Kashmiris, reject such bloodshed. Tourists are our guests, and we feel shattered by what happened in Pahalgam.”
Similar scenes unfolded in other areas of the city. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a “Shradhanjali Sabha” to honour the victims, during which party leaders observed a moment of silence and lit candles in memory of those who lost their lives.
A local resident said, “We want to make it clear that the people of Kashmir have nothing to do with this inhuman act. The terrorists aim to disrupt our unity, but today, Kashmiris have shown the world that we stand for peace.”
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.
