Massive Shutdown in Kashmir as Leaders Pay Tribute to Tourists Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack

Arising State Desk Report

Srinagar, April 23: A complete shutdown is being observed across the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 28 civilians, most of them tourists, including two foreign nationals. The attack, which took place at the Baisaran meadows in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, is being described as one of the deadliest militant strikes on civilians in recent years.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar on Wednesday morning to pay tributes to the slain tourists. According to reports, the mortal remains of the victims were brought to the PCR earlier in the day, where the top leaders arrived to offer their respects.

Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday evening to assess the security situation following the attack, is scheduled to visit Pahalgam today. He is also expected to visit GMC Anantnag to meet the injured tourists receiving treatment.

As a mark of protest and mourning, a shutdown call was given by traders’ federations, private school associations, religious organisations, travel agencies, and transporters. In response, all shops, business establishments, schools, and colleges remain closed throughout the Valley. The commercial hub of Srinagar, Lal Chowk, presented a deserted look with shuttered shops and empty streets.

The impact of the attack reverberated in Jammu as well, where counterparts of business and religious groups also called for a strike in solidarity and protest against the killings.

Meanwhile, Srinagar airport witnessed an unusual rush as tourists scrambled to leave the Valley. Long queues were seen at departure gates amid uncertainty over travel plans, causing further panic. The situation was compounded by reports of the national highway being closed, contributing to traffic disruptions and anxiety among the public.

In a strong symbolic gesture of solidarity and protest, several major newspapers in Kashmir, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taimeel Irshad, printed their front pages entirely in black marking  a rare and impactful expression of collective grief, with powerful headlines in red or white standing out against the black backdrop.

Adding to the collective mourning, the Mufti Azam, Nasir Ul Islam, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also called for a shutdown today  condemning the inhuman killings and standing in solidarity with the victims.

In response to the incident, all Kashmir University examinations and other college exams scheduled for April 23 have been postponed.

As security remains tight across Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, IAF and Army choppers are on the lookout.
The deadly assault, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police are conducting intensive search operations in Baisaran, Pahalgam, and nearby regions to track down the perpetrators. Security has been significantly heightened throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with all forces placed on red alert.

Earlier this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the national capital, cutting short his state visit to Saudi Arabia in response to the terrorist attack.