In response to the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, business and travel trade bodies across the Valley have announced a complete shutdown tomorrow (Wednesday) to condemn the attack. This has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years, sending shockwaves through the region and sparking national outrage.
The shutdown has been jointly called by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), All Travel Associations, transporters, restaurant owners, and various civil society organizations.
Tariq Rashid Ghani, President of the CCIK, expressed his anger over the attack, stating, “We have called for Kashmir Bandh on April 23, i.e., Wednesday, against this barbaric act of violence.” He highlighted the necessity for a unified response to such brutality and emphasized solidarity with the victims’ families. Ghani also noted that the tourism sector, a major pillar of Kashmir’s economy, has been deeply affected by the tragic killings.
The bandh is expected to bring the Valley to a standstill, with businesses, transport services, and other establishments set to remain closed. The tourism industry, in particular, has been hit hard by the attack, and stakeholders are rallying to show their collective condemnation.
Business leaders from various sectors will hold a press conference tomorrow at the Radisson Collection Hotel to address the attack’s implications for the region and discuss further actions.
