Traders shut shops, Muslims burn effigy of Pak as Karnal mourns Pahalgam tragedy
The terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last Tuesday, which led to the death of 26 people, including Navalofficer from Karnal Lt Vinay Narwal, has sparked outrage across the region. As a mark of protest and in solidarity with the innocent victims, traders observed a half-day shutdown on Friday. Meanwhile, members of the Muslim community held a protest outside Kalandar Sahib Dargah, condemning terrorism and demanding strict action against the perpetrators involved in the brutal attack. They burnt an effigy of Pakistan.
On the call of Veopar Mandal, the majority of shops remained closed till 1pm. The traders expressed grief over the tragic incident and demanded justice for the victims.
Krishan Lal Taneja, president of the Karnal Veopar Mandal, said, “It is a painful and horrifying tragedy. Innocent citizens — including one of our own from Karnal — were targeted and killed by the terrorists. As a mark of respect, we urged all shopkeepers to keep their businesses shut till 1 pm and I am grateful that everyone stood together in this call for unity.”
The traders not only expressed grief but also raised their voice and demanded strongest possible action against the culprits from the government.
“We condemn the act of terrorism. The government must ensure such incidents never happen again. This is a moment of national sorrow and the country must respond strongly,” he demanded.
Meanwhile, the Muslim community assembled outside Kalander Sahib Dargah in the city to denounce the attack, burning an effigy of Pakistan and raising slogans –“Hindostan Zindabad and Pakistan Murdabad.”
The community leaders said Islam did not permit violence or the killing of innocents and such acts were an insult to humanity. They highlighted that one of the victims in the attack was a young man from Karnal who had recently started got married. “In this attack, we also lost our Karnal’s son, who got married a week back. No religion teaches such hatred. Whoever carried out the attack must face the harshest punishment,” Khursheed Alam, one of the protesters, said.
Panchayats Minister condemns terror attack
Haryana Panchayat and Development Minister Krishan Lal Panwar also visited the residence of Vinay Narwal to express his condolences to the grieving family. Panwar condemned the terror attack and assured the family members that the Union Government would give a befitted reply. He said the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken significant steps in response to the attack. The PM has assured the nation of a strong and decisive response. The terrorists who carried out this heinous act would face consequences.
DC Karnal appeals for communal harmony
Karnal Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh has appealed to the public to maintain peace and communal harmony. He urged people not to make any statements or take any step that could disturb the social fabric or disrupt law and order. “I appeal to everyone to uphold brotherhood and peace. Do not make any statement or share anything that could harm communal harmony or provoke unrest,” he said. The DC also emphasised that the district administration was keeping a close watch on social media. “Do not post or forward any provocative content. The administration is monitoring all online activity. If anyone is found trying to spread disharmony or upload inflammatory material, strict legal action will be taken,” he warned.
Bhupinder Hooda seeks martyr status for Narwal
Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda visited the residence of Lt VInay Narwal to condole his death. Hooda condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act”. When asked about Narwal getting the status of a martyr, he said the young officer should be treated as a martyr and all facilities should be given to the family including job. On the issue of security failure, Hooda said, “Whatever lapses may have occurred, theese must be probed. Hooda said, “The steps taken by the Centre are appropriate, but more stringent action is needed.”
