'Hindustan Zindabad': Massive protests in J&K against Pahalgam attack, Kashmiris back Indian Army with chants of unity

A complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir on Wednesday, a day after 26 tourists were gunned down in one of the deadliest terror attacks in the Valley in recent times.

In Pahalgam, markets remained closed as the tourist hotspot struggles to come to terms with what happened yesterday. Loudspeakers in mosques echoed with appeals urging people to join the protest.

The Valley observed a shutdown against a terror attack for the first time in 35 years as organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam resort, officials said.

Among the 26 civilians killed is Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who provided horse rides to tourists and was shot dead when he tried to confront the killers.

Shopkeepers and hoteliers in the area led a protest march, chanting slogans like “Hindustan Zindabad” and “I am Indian.” They pledged support for stranded tourists, offering free stay for up to 15 days. “This wasn’t just an attack on tourists, it was an attack on our humanity. Our heads hang in shame,” hotelier Asif Burza was quoted by NDTV.

At another protest, the Kashmiris said they are in full support of the Indian Army in its strike back against the terror attack. "If we are needed, we are fully with the Army. We will not tolerate this. We are hurt at our core. We are human beings. This is not about money, business," said a protester.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack an “abomination,” expressing shock and grief. "I'm shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I've spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo & she has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured. I'll be flying back to Srinagar immediately," he posted on X yesterday as news of the attack started coming in.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his Saudi trip, vowed that the perpetrators would not be spared. Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to the Valley to oversee the situation and met with top officials, including CM Abdullah and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.