Srinagar witnesses massive protests to denounce killing of tourists

Srinagar, Apr 24: Srinagar witnessed massive protests on Thursday against the killings of 26 tourists in a terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam area on Tuesday.

Members from trade bodies, EJAC, and students joined the protest to denounce the killings. “Tourist killings are a big blow to Kashmir, and we are standing in solidarity with the whole country. Kashmir is known for brotherhood and hospitality, and that unity cannot be broken by anyone,” the protestors said.

The leadership of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) , also held a protest in Lal Chowk against the killings. They said that over four lakh employees under the banner of EJAC are standing with the bereaved families.

“Kashmiris came out across party lines, religion, and other aspects to stand with those who lost their loved ones. We will continue to stand united, and we also appeal to the government to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and traders outside Kashmir. There is also a need to hold the national media accountable for presenting negative coverage and harming the unity of the country,” Sajad Parray, general secretary of EJAC, said.

In Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal-Chowk, the traders raised black flags outside their shops as a mark of protest and solidarity for the victims of the Pahalgam attack.

“We are known for our hospitality, and this incident has shocked us beyond what words can explain. This unfortunate incident has shaken everyone, including the trading community, and we stand in solidarity with the bereaved,’ said a shopkeeper at Lal-Chowk.

In another unique protest, the students from the Aryans Group of Colleges led a protest march along with Shikaras to show their support for the victims. Multiple Shikara operators were seen holding placards that read “United Against Terror” near the banks of the famous Dal Lake.

“We have to understand what the intentions of attackers are, and we have to respond to that by staying united and showing brotherhood across religions. It is also important to protect the minorities and vulnerable communities where they are during this tough time,” the college staff said.

Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman of Aryans Group, was present on the occasion, extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the departed souls. “Kashmir is heaven on earth, will always be heaven despite of any adversity. He asserted that no terrorist attack can undermine the spirit of India's 140 crore people. The Aryans team, along with 2000 Kashmiri students and their families, will provide support to the victims' families in Kashmir for the entire next week,” Kataria said.

Er. Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, Aryans J&K Coordinator, highlighted that the students from Jammu and Kashmir form a significant part of Aryans Group Chandigarh. He mentioned that earlier also ,in times of crisis, such as floods, Aryans JK students have consistently been at the forefront in serving society.

In addition to that, many political parties and social activists continued to protest on the third straight day against the gruesome attack on tourists that shocked the whole valley.