Delhi bandh today: Traders call for market shutdown over Pahalgam terror attack

Major trade associations across Delhi have announced a complete shutdown of markets on Friday, April 25, to protest the terrorist attack in Pahalgam earlier this week.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) made the announcement on Thursday, describing the move as a tribute to the innocent lives lost in the tragedy.

#WATCH | Members of Delhi Traders Association raise anti-Pakistan slogans in protest against #PahalgamTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/pUVnYsoZKg
ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2025

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran meadow of Jammu and Kashmir, left 26 people dead, mostly tourists. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow across the nation.

“The horrific incident in Pahalgam has left the nation numb. As a mark of respect for the deceased and in support of the government's efforts against terrorism, Delhi’s major trade bodies have decided to observe a one-day shutdown,” said CAIT in a public statement.

CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, clarified that the bandh is a non-political gesture. “This is not a protest but a solemn observance of national grief. We urge all traders to close their establishments voluntarily and observe the day peacefully,” he said.

The association has also urged the Delhi Police and local authorities to ensure that peace and law and order are maintained throughout the day.

Despite the call for a shutdown in retail markets, there has been no official notification from Delhi Police or the city administration declaring a general bandh. Public transport services such as the Delhi Metro, buses, and auto rickshaws will continue operations as usual. Government offices, banks, and institutions are also expected to function normally.

Earlier on Wednesday, a complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir. In Pahalgam, markets remained closed as the tourist hotspot struggles to come to terms with what happened on Tuesday. Loudspeakers in mosques echoed with appeals urging people to join the protest.