PHAGWARA: In response to a call by Shiv Sena and various trader associations, a complete bandh was observed in Phagwara on Saturday to protest against the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Shops, commercial establishments, government institutions, banks, and schools remained closed as residents joined in the protest. Even the few open establishments shut down following appeals from the organisers. Phagwara police, led by SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, made extensive arrangements to maintain law and order. The situation was closely monitored by Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora.
Protesters raised slogans against Pakistan and terrorism. Shiv Sena leaders Inderjit Karwal, Deepak Bhardwaj, and Rajesh Palta addressed a protest meeting attended by leaders from various Hindu organisations. Describing the Pahalgam attack as a heinous crime, they declared it intolerable under any circumstances. A protest march was held, and effigies of Pakistan and terrorism were set ablaze amid vociferous slogans. Markets across the city wore a deserted look throughout the day.However road and rail traffic remained normal throughout the day.
Muslim Community Condemns Attack, Holds Peaceful March
In a powerful gesture of nationalism and communal solidarity, members of the Muslim community in Phagwara held a protest march on Friday against the Pahalgam attack. Organised under the leadership of Jama Masjid President Kaasif ur-Rehman, the demonstration saw hundreds participating in a peaceful procession.
The march began at Jama Masjid and proceeded through Borr Wala Chowk, Kultham Chowk, Gandhi Chowk, and Chatkaiyan Chowk, culminating at Gol Chowk. Protesters raised slogans against terrorism and Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border militancy. Effigies of Pakistan and terrorism were burned as a sign of collective outrage.
Speaking to the media, Kaasif ur-Rehman said, “Terrorism has no religion. We, the Muslims of Phagwara, condemn the Pahalgam attack in the strongest terms. Our religion teaches peace, not violence.”
The peaceful nature of the protest was ensured by local police and administrative authorities.
Candlelight March Held to Mourn Victims of Pahalgam Attack
In a rare show of political unity, leaders across party lines joined hands to organise a candlelight march in Phagwara to pay homage to the 28 tourists who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack.
The march, which began from Hargobind Nagar, included representatives from the Congress, BJP, SAD, AAP, BSP, General Samaj Manch, as well as various religious and social organisations. The procession passed through the city’s major markets, drawing widespread attention and emotional participation from the public.
Participants expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. “What happened in Pahalgam is extremely unfortunate. The pain of the victims' families cannot be measured, ” one speaker said. “We pray for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families.”
Condemning the cowardly attack, speakers urged the Indian government to take decisive action. “Our religion teaches us peace, not violence, ” they echoed.
The march witnessed participation from many prominent figures including MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, former Market Committee Chairman Naresh Bhardwaj, Anita Som Prakash, Ashu Sampla, Ashok Sethi, Arun Khosla, Gurjit Walia, Tarunjeet Singh Walia, Harjinder Gogna, Anurag Mankhand, Tejasvi Bhardwaj, Sunil Chamm, Chander Rekha Nikki, Ashok Duggal, Satish Prabhakar, Harbans Lal, Pradeep Singh Basra, Jatinder Palahi, Inderjit Basra, Jaswinder Ghumman, Raju Chahal, Rajan Sharma, and Avtar Singh.
The procession concluded near the National Flagless Pole along the national highway late in the evening. Participants expressed anger over the fact that the pole was seen without the national flag.