The recent protests and complete shutdown across the Valley represented the first unified response against terrorism in over three decades, as individuals from diverse backgrounds united to voice their outrage against the violence.
Members of civil society, representatives from traders’ unions, transport groups, government employees, and local residents came together for a protest march, expressing their condemnation of the tragic deaths of tourists.
The march saw an overwhelming turnout, with participants from various sectors holding signs and banners that conveyed their sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Demonstrators called on the authorities to promptly identify and prosecute those behind the brutal attack, insisting on strict legal measures to ensure that such acts of violence are met with zero tolerance.
This march served as a powerful demonstration of the Kashmiri people's resolve against violence and their steadfast dedication to peace, justice, and communal harmony.
In the wake of the attack on tourists, schools throughout Kashmir have also expressed their condemnation, holding condolence meetings and special prayers for the deceased during morning assemblies.
A divisional-level condolence meeting took place in the conference hall of the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir.
The incident is expected to have a detrimental impact on the tourism-dependent local economy, which had been experiencing growth in recent years.
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed him that the economy of Kashmir has suffered a collapse following the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The summer season has just begun, and this is when tourists typically flock to the region. Tourism is the primary source of income for J&K, particularly in Kashmir. They rely heavily on tourism revenue. Omar Abdullah mentioned that this year’s economy has taken a hit. He also noted that tourism is their main livelihood, and they are devastated by this attack,” Kharge said during a press conference at the Congress Headquarters in Bengaluru.
At least 26 tourists lost their lives on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir.
Eyewitnesses reported that a group of heavily armed terrorists emerged from the nearby forests and indiscriminately fired upon civilians, the majority of whom were tourists.
Baisaran is a small meadow located three to four kilometers from the Pahalgam market, accessible to tourists only by horseback due to the lack of a motorable road.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning after cutting short his trip to Saudi Arabia in response to the terror attack.
He held a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport. PM Modi strongly condemned the terror attack on Tuesday, asserting that those responsible will be brought to justice and reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.