Protests Ignite in Kashmir Following Pahalgam Tragedy, Tourism Faces Threat
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Synopsis
Kashmir Valley experienced a significant protest against the Pahalgam killings, showcasing unity among citizens. The event is expected to impact local tourism and the economy, raising concerns among residents. Authorities are urged to take swift action against the perpetrators.
Key Takeaways
- Widespread protests occurred in Kashmir following the Pahalgam killings.
- The protest marked the first complete shutdown against terrorism in 35 years.
- Calls for justice and strict legal action were made by the protesters.
- The attack is expected to impact Kashmir's tourism-dependent economy.
- Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack and reaffirmed the commitment to combat terrorism.
Srinagar, April 23 (NationPress) In a powerful show of solidarity and shared sorrow, the Kashmir Valley witnessed widespread protests on Wednesday in response to the Pahalgam killings.
This marked the first complete shutdown across the Valley against terrorism in over 35 years, as residents from diverse backgrounds took to the streets to voice their condemnation of the violence.
Members of civil society, local trade unions, transport associations, government employees, and citizens united in a march, denouncing the tragic loss of life among tourists.
The protest saw significant participation from the public, who came together holding placards and banners that conveyed their grief and support for the victims and their families.
Demands were made for the authorities to promptly identify and prosecute those responsible for this abhorrent act, with calls for strict legal action to ensure a zero-tolerance stance towards such violence.
This event underscored the resolve of the people of Kashmir against violence and their steadfast commitment to peace, justice, and social harmony.
Furthermore, the attack on tourists has drawn widespread condemnation throughout Kashmir's educational institutions, where condolence meetings and special prayers were conducted for the deceased during morning assemblies.
A divisional-level condolence gathering took place at the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir's conference hall.
The incident is anticipated to have a negative impact on the local tourism-dependent economy, which had been experiencing a resurgence in recent years.
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reported that J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed him of the economic collapse in Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack.
"With the summer season commencing, this is the critical time for tourist arrivals. Tourism represents the primary source of income for J&K, particularly Kashmir, and the local population relies heavily on tourism revenue. Omar Abdullah expressed that the economy has been devastated this year due to this attack," said Kharge during a press conference in Bengaluru.
At least 26 tourists lost their lives on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir.
Eyewitness accounts describe a group of heavily armed terrorists emerging from nearby forests and opening fire indiscriminately on civilians, predominantly tourists.
Baisaran is a picturesque meadow located about three to four kilometers from the Pahalgam market, accessible only by horseback due to the lack of motorable roads.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning, cutting short his trip to Saudi Arabia in light of the terror attack.
He held a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport, where PM Modi strongly condemned the attack on Tuesday, asserting that those responsible would face justice and reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism.
