Jammu Bar Association, BJP, Congress Party, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Dogra Front, Civil Society, Ramban Youth Among Voices Demanding Justice
Imran Shah/Tahir Mushtaq
Jammu/Kishtwar/Ramban, (DD): Widespread protests broke out across Jammu region today as grief and anger over the Pahalgam attack turned into a collective cry for justice.
The citizens, political groups, and civil society members marched through the streets, demanding accountability and swift action against those responsible for the carnage that claimed 26 innocent lives.
In Jammu city, members of Jammu Bar Association, BJP, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal held separate protest demonstrations.
The Dogra Front and Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) and others staged a massive demonstration outside the Press Club, carrying black flags and raising slogans against what they called “a complete security failure.” Protesters also lit candles in memory of the victims and called for a tougher security grid to protect tourists in Kashmir.
“We are heartbroken. Tourists come to Kashmir with dreams, not to die. The government must act now,” said Ashok Gupta, President of Dogra Front. “Jammu will not stay silent.”
In Ramban, hundreds of locals, including members of the Ramban Civil Society Forum and local youth organizations, marched through the main bazaar holding placards that read “Stop the bloodshed” and “Tourism must not become a death trap.” Many shops and businesses voluntarily downed shutters in solidarity.
Civil society groups in Udhampur and Samba also organized peaceful sit-ins and candlelight vigils. “We stand with the victims’ families. This is not just a Kashmir issue—this is a national tragedy,” said Meena Sharma, a school teacher and activist from Udhampur.
Protests were also reported near Tawi Bridge, where students and traders came together, chanting slogans against violence and calling for strict punishment to the perpetrators.
Adding their voice to the growing chorus, the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kishtwar issued a strong condemnation of the attack, calling it “a barbaric assault on humanity and national unity.” In a statement released this evening, Sabha president Pt. Omkar Nath Shastri said, “We demand an uncompromising crackdown on the forces of terror. The blood of innocents cannot go unanswered. Kishtwar stands shoulder to shoulder with our brethren in grief and resolve.” The Sabha also announced a special prayer meeting and candle march to be held tomorrow in memory of the victims.
The local administration kept a close watch on the protests, which remained largely peaceful. Additional deployments of police were made in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, political parties from across the spectrum also voiced support for the public sentiment. Leaders from Congress, BJP, and Panthers Party condemned the attack and participated in the symbolic 2-minute silence observed at 3:30 PM across all government offices, following a directive from CM Omar Abdullah (DD).
