Srinagar, April 23, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir fell silent today as a region-wide shutdown brought life to a standstill, a collective outpouring of sorrow for the 26 lives lost in a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Called by trade unions, political groups, and civil society, the bandh shuttered markets, schools, and public transport across the Valley and Jammu, marking the deadliest assault since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The violence erupted at a scenic meadow in Pahalgam, a tourist gem in Anantnag district dubbed the “Mini Switzerland” of Kashmir. Militants, linked to a banned terror group, unleashed chaos, targeting holidaymakers with gunfire. The victims included two foreign nationals, two locals, and a naval officer on leave. Survivors recounted a harrowing 20-minute rampage, with attackers reportedly singling out victims by faith, sparing some with chilling messages to relay to authorities.
The region’s top official described the attack as a “crushing blow to Kashmir’s soul,” while the nation’s leader, cutting short an overseas trip, condemned it as “heinous” and promised swift action. Global figures, including heads of state and international organizations, denounced the violence, offering support. Candlelight vigils and protests swept cities and towns, as residents demanded justice and mourned the loss.
