J&K observes complete shutdown

Srinagar/JAMMU, Apr 23: Jammu and Kashmir observed its first complete shutdown since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, following the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives of tourists including a local and left 16 injured. From Srinagar to Jammu, streets remained deserted as people united in grief and anger, sending a clear message of solidarity against terrorism.
Most shops and business establishments in the Valley remained closed, while public transport, especially buses and mini-buses, was largely absent from the roads. However, private cabs, cars, and auto-rickshaws were still seen on city streets.
Contingents of police and CRPF personnel were deployed at vulnerable locations, including Lalchowk and the Downtown areas of Srinagar, to prevent any untoward incidents.
Peaceful protests were also held at several places in the valley including Lal Chowk, Bemina, Batamaloo, with the protestors denouncing the attack.They called for stopping the killing of innocent people. The National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples’ Conference, and Apni Party were among the political outfits that supported the shutdown to protest the attack.
Meanwhile a complete shutdown was also observed across several districts, including Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, and Kupwara in the Valley, as well as in Jammu districts like Samba, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, and Udhampur.
In Srinagar, people from all walks of life staged a protest at Lal Chowk, demanding accountability and justice for the victims. The protestors called for stronger security measures and an end to violence in the region, with many condemning the recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam.
Similarly in Jammu city, a strong shutdown was observed in all districts, accompanied by demonstrations expressing collective outrage and grief. From city centers to remote towns, the mood was one of mourning and defiance, as people demanded justice and an end to the cycle of violence.
Educational institutions were closed, and attendance in government offices was significantly lower than usual.
The shutdown in Jammu city, including districts such as Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, and Samba, brought normal life to a halt. Shops, business establishments, and public transport were closed across the region in response to the shutdown call issued by various civil society groups and trade associations.
Educational institutions were closed, and government offices saw a significant drop in attendance. The Jammu Bar Association also observed a shutdown in protest.
In districts like Poonch and Rajouri, protests were held, with residents showing their solidarity for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Various organizations, including the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Transporters Association, Jammu Bar Association, and Congress, united for the shutdown.
“The situation during the shutdown remains calm, with no untoward incidents reported,” said an officer. To maintain law and order, additional deployments of police and paramilitary forces were made in vulnerable areas across Jammu, with checkpoints set up to monitor movement.In Reasi, hundreds of people took to the streets, marching and burning tyres as a mark of protest against the Pahalgam attack.
The shutdown brought normal life in Jammu city to a standstill, with shops and business establishments closed, and public transport off the roads. The shutdown was called by several civil society groups and trade bodies in response to the tragic killings.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) closed all private schools in solidarity. The J&K Transport Welfare Association enforced a complete ‘chakka jam,’ suspending all public transport.
Security was ramped up across the Valley and Jammu, with personnel deployed at sensitive sites, highways, and tourist locations. Frisking and vehicle checks were intensified at entry and exit points, and vigilance remains high in vulnerable areas.