PSAJK calls for Closure of Schools
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has joined the collective call for a bandh in protest of the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Anantnag, which claimed 26 lives.
In a post on X, the party stated, “On the instruction of the Party President, JKNC joins the collective call for a bandh in strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We appeal to the people of J&K to ensure the hartal called by religious and social leaders is a complete success.”
Private Schools’ Association Jammu and Kashmir Condemns Attack, Calls for School Closure
In a show of solidarity with the victims of the attack, the Private Schools’ Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has decided to observe a day of mourning and protest on April 23, 2025. All private schools across the region will remain closed tomorrow to express grief and condemn the heinous attack.
PSAJK President, G N Var, stated, “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack at Pahalgam and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims. Closing our schools is a small gesture to express our grief and outrage.”
Business and Travel Bodies Call for Kashmir Bandh
In a related development, business and travel trade bodies in Kashmir, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), and other civil society groups, have also called for a bandh tomorrow, April 23, in protest against the attack.
Tariq Rashid Ghani, President of CCIK, expressed his solidarity, stating, “We have called for a Kashmir Bandh on April 23 against this barbaric act of violence.” The bandh is expected to see complete closure of businesses, transport services, and establishments across the Valley.
The tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the attack, has fully supported the call for the bandh, as it stands in solidarity with the victims.
Religious and Political Leaders Join Protest Calls
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, through Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), condemned the violence, stating, “Such gruesomeness is abhorred in Islam, which is a religion of peace and goodwill. The Islamic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir stands with the bereaved families and calls for peaceful protests tomorrow.”
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam also voiced his condemnation, while JDU President G. M. Shaheen called for a J&K Bandh in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack, urging unity for justice, peace, and against violence.
Sajad Lone, leader of the People’s Conference, expressed his support for the call and condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
I appeal to people of Kashmir to express their outrage in whatever form against the brutal killings in Pahalgam. I personally support a shutdown by business and travel associations and silent protests across all villages and towns, Sajad said. (JKNS)
