Protests erupt across Kashmir after deadly terror strike on tourists in Pahalgam | ANI
Srinagar/ Anantnag: Why are you killing our guests? They came with peace and not weapons; these were the last words of 30-year-old Syed Adil Hussian Shah, phony wala of Hapatnad hamlet of Nagbal in Anantnag district, before he was killed by the Laskhar-e-Taiba terrorists on Tuesday at Baisaran, Mini-Switzerland of Pahalgam while protecting the tourists from the fury of the terrorists.
According to Syed Hyder Shah, father of the deceased Adil, his son left home in the morning to Pahalgam to ferry the tourists to various nearby spots for site-seeing, who was getting Rs 300 daily from the contractor for getting the visitors for site-seeing.
“I came to know about his killing in the late evening yesterday when he did not return home. However, the body was given today,” Hyder added. He said that the deceased Adil is survived by wife , one sister and parents. Adil Shah was the sole bread earner of the family, according to the father Hyder.
Meanwhile, the UT government released the names of 26 deceased including the names of two foreigners; Nepal and UAE. While 25 deceased were males and one female including father and son of Gujarat namely Sumit Parmar and father Yatesh Parmar of Bhavnagar in Gujarat.
According to Pallavi, who lost her husband, there was no security men present at the spot where nearly one thousand odd tourists were present at the time six terrorists appeared from the nearby forests in police uniform with automatic weapons killing every male after ascertaining their name. incidentally the Jammu and Kashmir police which is largely responsible for providing the nakas and security at such tourist spots had ignored deploying the security men at Baisaran.
Complete shutdown was observed across the valley to protest the terror strike on the tourists. All the business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. Chief minister of JKUT, Omar Abdullah along with cabinet Colleague Agriculture Minister ,Javid Ahmad Dar and MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Kuloo attended the the Nimaz e Jinaza of Late Adil Hussain Shah in Nagbal Hapatnar Aishmuqam in Anantnag.
Meanwhile , the Kashmir press on Wednesday displayed their anger against the terror on tourists by displaying the front pages in black colour . The local English and Urdu newspapers appeared with black front pages on Wednesday, to express their anguish against the terror attack on tourists. This was the first time in 35 year kashmir insurgency that the press joined the anger against the terrorists . The security agencies and intelligences , otherwise, had always blamed the local press for helping the insurgents.
On Wednesday, the Kashmir business and travel trade bodies had asked for Kashmir Bandh in protest against the barbaric killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The terror attack, which was described as one of the deadliest targeting civilians in recent years, left the region in mourning besides sparking outrage across the country.
According to a statement jointly issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), All Travel Associations, transporters, restaurant owners, and civil society groups.
Tariq Rashid Ghani, President of CCIK, stated, “We had called for Kashmir Bandh on April 23, i.e., Wednesday, against this barbaric act of violence.” He emphasized the need for a collective response to condemn such atrocities and to stand in solidarity with the victims.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) convened a Special Executive Committee Meeting attended by all Executive Committee members, affiliated Associations, and general members. During the meeting, the Chamber unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the deplorable killing of innocent people in Baisaran, Pahalgam.
As a mark of protest against these dastardly killings, the KCC&I members led a march across the Residency Road and Lal Chowk.
The Chamber later held a peaceful sit-in protest at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) today at 2:00 PM. All trader bodies, travel and tourism associations, heads of business commerce chambers, affiliated organisations, associations and members of the Chamber participated in the sit-in protest.
The Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry, Katra (CTTIK), held an urgent meeting of its office bearers today to discuss the tragic and barbaric terror attack that occurred at Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam. The members unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the heart-wrenching attack, in which more than 26 innocent tourists, including two foreign nationals, lost their lives and several others were critically injured.
At a time when the tourism industry in Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a promising revival, bringing with it hope, livelihood, and unity. This barbaric act of violence is a direct assault not just on peace and humanity, but also on the collective efforts of countless individuals working tirelessly to restore the region’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.
This senseless act of terror, targeting unarmed and peaceful tourists, is a heinous crime against the spirit of Kashmiriyat and the values of hospitality, harmony, and brotherhood that define our land.
We stand in full solidarity with the victims and their families in this hour of sorrow. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, and we pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.
We urge the government and security agencies to act decisively, ensuring the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice, and further security measures are strengthened to protect all travellers in the region.
The CTTIK remains resolute in its commitment to promoting a peaceful, secure, and thriving tourism environment in Jammu & Kashmir. Acts of terror will never break our spirit and we stand united in the face of adversity.
The Security agencies on Wednesday released the sketches of three men suspected to be involved in the terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, near Pahalgam in south Kashmir.
The men, all three Pakistanis, are Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha, officials said. They had code names — Moosa, Yunus and Asif — and were involved in terror-related incidents in Poonch. The sketches were prepared with the help of survivors, they said.
From the pencil sketches, in black and white, they appear to be young and have beards. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday afternoon.
Massive protests broke out across the Kashmir valley on Wednesday in response to the Tuesday’s civilian killings in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The tragic incident triggered a wave of public anger, leading to a complete shutdown of normal life throughout the valley.
Markets remained closed, public and private transport stayed off the roads, and all major trade bodies joined the strike to express solidarity with the victims and condemn the ongoing violence.
In a strong and united response, protest demonstrations were held in Pahalgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, and several other districts of Kashmir. People came out in large numbers to denounce the senseless killings and demand justice for the innocent lives lost. The streets echoed with chants against terrorism and calls for peace.
Mosques across Kashmir used loudspeakers to condemn the killings and call upon people to stand against the brutality inflicted upon civilians. Emotional appeals were made from the mosques urging unity and patience, while also demanding action against those responsible.
In Srinagar, BJP organized a momentous protest march at Jawahar Nagar. The march was led by J&K BJP President Sat Sharma, BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, and other senior leaders. Locals from various parts of the valley also joined the march, turning it into a large and symbolic gathering of solidarity.
Participants held placards reading “Stop Killing Innocents,” “Down with Terrorism” and “We Want Peace.” The entire Kashmir valley has risen in unity against the sponsored terrorism, declaring it as the true murder of Kashmir and the Kashmiriyat.
Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order, while political leaders, civil society members, and religious scholars continue to appeal for calm, restraint, and justice. Meanwhile, BJP also paid tributes to the 26 martyrs at the BJP Head Office, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Sat Sharma condemned the brutal terror attack and emphasized the BJP’s unwavering stand against terrorism. “The nation stands united in grief and in strength. The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain,” he said, calling for national solidarity and support to the families of the victims.
Sunil Sharma (Leader of Opposition) called for a united stand against the terrorism and said that it harms the nation and society in multiple ways, adding that it also adversely affects every directly or indirectly affected individual socio-economically.
Ashok Koul highlighted the resilience of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the face of continued threats and reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and justice in the region.
Candles were lit, floral tributes were offered, and a two-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs. The event concluded with prayers for peace and a strong message against the forces of violence and disruption. The protests were held at Kashmir university to condemn the gruesome act of the terrorists.
