Traders across Delhi will observe a complete shutdown on Friday, April 25, in a show of solidarity and tribute to the 26 lives lost in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced the bandh on Thursday, urging all market associations and shopkeepers in the national capital to voluntarily close their establishments for the day.
Calling the move a symbolic act of mourning and unity, CAIT emphasized that the shutdown is not a protest but a collective expression of grief and national solidarity. “The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of innocent citizens, has caused deep sorrow and anger among the trading community,” CAIT said in a statement.
Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT Secretary General and BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, appealed to traders to ensure the bandh remains peaceful and respectful. “We request all traders to take necessary precautions and make sure the bandh proceeds without any untoward incidents,” he said.
CAIT has also asked Delhi Police and local administrative authorities to help maintain peace and order throughout the city’s marketplaces during the shutdown.
Protests Across Jammu and Kashmir
The national response to the Pahalgam tragedy has been echoed in Jammu and Kashmir, where several trader associations, transport unions, and civil society groups observed a bandh on Wednesday. Protest marches were held in multiple districts to denounce the terror attack and condemn Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
Prominent organizations such as the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Jammu Bar Association (JBA), All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Association, and various local trader associations led separate processions, raising slogans against terrorism and calling for national unity.
Several Muslim organizations also joined the demonstrations in districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Banihal, and Udhampur, underlining a unified front across communities against terrorism.
Mohammad Iqbal, a trader from Kulgam, expressed grief and concern over the impact the attack could have on the region’s economy. “The innocent tourists who came to enjoy Kashmir’s beauty were targeted. This is not just an attack on lives, but on livelihoods too. Our trade heavily depends on tourism, and such incidents only worsen the economic situation,” he said.
The Pahalgam terror attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, has sparked widespread outrage and mourning across India. The bandh in Delhi and demonstrations in Jammu and Kashmir highlight the growing public demand for accountability and action against terrorism.
Sources By Agencies
