Pulwama, Oct 21: A candlelight march was held on Monday evening in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district to condemn the recent terrorist attack in the Gangangeer area of Ganderbal, which claimed the lives of a doctor and six other civilians working for an infrastructure company.
The silent protest march, which started at the Circuit House and ended at Rajpora Chowk, saw a large turnout of people, primarily youth. Protesters expressed their grief and outrage over the brutal killings, holding placards with messages such as “Pulwama Stands Against Terrorism, in Memory of 7 Innocent Lives” and “Pulwama Stands with the Victims of Ganderbal.”
The marchers made it clear that the people of Pulwama refuse to be intimidated by those who aim to instill fear and disrupt their lives. “This march sends a clear message that we will not be cowed by the atrocities of terrorists,” a protestor said.
Mudasir Dar, a prominent social activist from Pulwama and the event organiser, told the media that the candlelight march was held to express solidarity with the families of the slain civilians.
“We are here to pay our respects to the civilians who lost their lives. At the same time, we want to make it clear to terrorists that their days of spreading fear and violence are over. The people of Pulwama stand united against these barbaric acts and will no longer tolerate any attempts to divide us. Terrorists are traitors to our land, and their cowardice will not prevail,” he said.
Dar also noted that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a relatively peaceful atmosphere in recent times, and terrorists are attempting to disrupt this peace with such cowardly acts. He emphasised that the people are united against terrorism and will not allow them to destabilize the region.
“By killing seven innocent civilians in Gangangeer, Ganderbal, terrorists have committed an act that is equivalent to killing all of humanity,” he added.
The protesters called for stronger action against those responsible for the violence, urging security forces to intensify efforts to eliminate the threat of terrorism.
Participants also pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in their fight against extremism, urging all citizens to stand together in defence of their right to live in peace and security.
Meanwhile, in a strong show of unity and solidarity, a candlelight march was also taken out on Monday evening at Shopian to condemn the recent brutal killings in Ganderbal and Shopian, where innocent civilians lost their lives.
The march, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, saw participation from district officers, officials of various departments, students, civil society members, activists, and the general public.
The march commenced from the Mini Secretariat with participants holding candles and raising slogans against the senseless violence.
The collective voice of the community resonated against the inhumane acts of terror, emphasizing the need for peace and harmony in the region.
Addressing the Media, the DC condemned the barbaric killings, describing them as an affront to humanity.
He reassured the public that every possible measure is being taken to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The administration, along with security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” he said.
The march concluded with a solemn tribute to the victims, as the people of Shopian stood together to reject violence and call for lasting peace.
