Jammu: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu, led by President Arun Gupta, has announced a complete Jammu Bandh on Wednesday to protest the horrific militant attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district.
The attack, which occurred at Baisaran meadow, claimed dozens of lives, mostly tourists from various states, and left several others injured, marking it as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years.
The bandh call has received widespread support from Hindu outfits, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who staged protest marches across Jammu on Tuesday evening to condemn the attack.
The VHP and Bajrang Dal have extended their full support to the CCI’s bandh initiative, urging citizens to join in solidarity to demand justice for the victims and stringent action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.
In a statement, CCI President Arun Gupta described the attack as “a barbaric assault on humanity and an attack on the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir tourism.” He called for unity among the people of Jammu to send a strong message against militancy.
“This bandh is a collective stand against those who seek to disrupt peace and harmony in our region. We urge the government to identify and punish the culprits swiftly and ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors,” Gupta said. He further appealed to all traders, businesses, and citizens to observe a complete shutdown to honor the victims and press for immediate action.
The VHP and Bajrang Dal, during their protests, raised slogans in support of the Indian Army and demanded decisive measures to eliminate militancy in the region.
VHP leaders emphasised that such attacks are an attempt to destabilise the region’s economy and tourism, a vital lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir.
Bajrang Dal activists echoed similar sentiments, pledging their support to the bandh and calling for heightened security to prevent future incidents.
The bandh has also been supported by other groups, including the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Shiv Sena (UBT), Dogra Front, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, and various market associations.
Meanwhile, the authorities have beefed up security across Jammu to maintain law and order, with additional police and paramilitary forces deployed in sensitive areas.
The CCI Jammu, VHP, and Bajrang Dal urged all residents, traders, and organisations to participate in the bandh to express solidarity with the victims’ families and to demand a militancy-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The bandh will see the closure of all shops, businesses, and commercial establishments across Jammu, with public transport likely to be affected. (KNO)
