Several political parties, trade organisations and socio-religious bodies in Jammu and Kashmir took out to streets on Wednesday to protest against terrorists who killed 26 people in Pahalgam in Anantnag district.
Local Kashmiris from across the state condemn the killing of innocent civilians and sent out a clear message: “Not in our name”.
The renowned clock tower - Ghanta Ghar - became the meeting point for protesters from all walks of life. The National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party carried out protest marches from their respective offices till Lal Chowk.
Various trade organisations and civil society groups also held sit-ins at Ghanta Ghar.
Terrorists in camouflage uniforms had come down the mountains and indiscriminately opened fire at tourists at a popular tourist spot in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and injuring several others.
Several political parties and organisations had announced a complete bandh in the Valley on Wednesday.
Shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were closed in Srinagar and other areas in Kashmir while schools also remained shut.
"This should not happen, not in the name of Kashmir and not in the name of Islam. Islamic teachings value human life to the point that taking an innocent life is akin to killing the entire humanity," Haji Bashir Ahmad Dar, a resident of Srinagar city said.
"Steps should be taken to uproot terrorism at the earliest so that such incidents do not happen again. People of Kashmir have always been against terrorism. However, conspiracies are being hatched to malign the Kashmiri community and hit the local economy. Such acts affect the livelihood of locals," a protester from Kulgam said.
Civil society groups and political parties took out protests in other districts including Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag and Ganderbal.
Political parties and religious organisations also held several anti-Pakistan protests in Jammu region.
The protesters burnt effigies and raised anti-Pakistan slogans, demanding that a fitting reply be given to the neighbouring country, terrorists and their supporters.
Similar demonstrations were held in Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Katra, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Banihal, Ramban, Poonch and Rajouri.
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