Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Islamic Welfare Organisation, other groups announce Rajouri bandh on April 23 to protest against the barbaric Pahalgam attack.
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, April 22
A terrorist attack at a famed meadow about 5 kilometers from Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon claimed 26 lives and left several others injured. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society members across the Rajouri district.
In response to the barbaric killings, the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Rajouri and Islamic Welfare Organisation (IWO) have jointly announced a complete bandh in Rajouri town on Wednesday (April 23). The shutdown aims to protest against the brutal and inhumane attack on innocent tourists and to express solidarity with the bereaved families.
The Private School Association Rajouri has also extended its support to the bandh call. “We appeal to all educational stakeholders to observe the bandh peacefully and join hands in sending a strong message against terrorism and violence,” said President Abdul Raoof Dar.
MLA Rajouri, Iftikhar Ahmed, strongly condemned the attack. “This tragic and cowardly act is not only unacceptable but also deeply painful for every peace-loving citizen. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I wish them a speedy recovery,” he added. He further urged the government to take immediate and effective steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sanjeev Kumar Mangu, Ex-Sarpanch of Rajouri, expressed deep sorrow: “The news of tourists being killed and many injured in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam is extremely reprehensible and heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The Islamic Welfare Organisation also issued a statement condemning the attack:
“This heart-wrenching incident is a grave assault on peace and humanity. We extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to the victims and their families. We call upon the people of J&K to unite in condemning such acts of terrorism and to stand together in promoting peace, harmony, and stability in the region,” said an IWO spokesperson.
Prominent figures including Shafqat Mir, Tazeem Dar, Istiaq Bhat, Iftikhar Dar, Asif Bhat, and Haji Farooq have also joined in condemning the heinous act. The organisation demanded swift justice and stronger security measures in the region.
Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mohammad Farooq Inqlabi also condemned the attack:
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic terror attack that claimed the lives of 27 innocent people. This is not just an attack on individuals, but on the spirit of Kashmiriyat and the collective conscience of our society,” he said.
He welcomed the swift response from authorities and urged the government to ensure the perpetrators were swiftly brought to justice. “We must not allow the enemies of peace to succeed in their evil designs,” he added.
The Bar Association Rajouri has also expressed its grief and condemnation. Shokat Ali, General Secretary of the Bar Association, stated:
“The Bar has decided to abstain from daily routine work on April 23, 2025. All Hon’ble Judges are requested not to pass any adverse orders in respect for the departed souls. All esteemed members are requested to attend court at the usual time to express solidarity and condemn this barbaric act against humanity.”
