Pahalgam Attack Sparks Valley-Wide Shutdown Call by Religious, Political and Trade Leaders

:In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 28 people, including several tourists, religious leaders, political figures, and trade bodies across Jammu and Kashmir have called for a complete shutdown on Wednesday, April 23, to express solidarity with the victims and their families.

Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the attack and urged the people of the region to observe a peaceful shutdown. Citing the Quranic verse — “Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely” — the Mirwaiz stressed that such brutality has no place in Islam, a religion rooted in peace and humanity.

“The people of Kashmir know the pain of such loss. This gruesome act is against both our religious values and human ethics,” the Mirwaiz stated on X, urging people to join in silent protest through the shutdown.

Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, also backed the call, emphasizing the need for a united response to condemn the senseless killing of innocent visitors.

The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) expressed deep grief, describing the incident as a heinous and inhuman act. KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan stated that the bandh is a collective expression of sorrow and protest, and reiterated the valley’s longstanding values of peace, hospitality, and humanity.

Politically, the call for solidarity has gained significant support. Sajad Gani Lone, President of the Peoples Conference (PC), endorsed the bandh, calling for silent protests across towns and villages. “This is a moment to come together as a society and express our outrage,” he said.

Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), echoed the sentiment, appealing to the people of Kashmir to support the bandh as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost. “This isn’t just an attack on a few; it is an attack on all of us. We must unite in grief and resolve,” she posted on social media.

Meanwhile, the Chamber & Bar Association Jammu has also called for a complete shutdown, underscoring the widespread condemnation of the attack and the urgency to safeguard the sanctity and safety of the region.

The valley mourns as the people prepare to observe a day of silence, shutdown, and remembrance for the lives lost in the Pahalgam tragedy.