Anti-Pak protests rock Jammu region, security strengthened in sensitive areas

Most districts across the Jammu region observed a complete bandh on Wednesday in protest against the terror attack in Pahalgam, as widespread anger swept the area.

Security arrangements were intensified in communally sensitive areas, with barbed wire installed in parts of Jammu city and other locations across the region in response to multiple protest demonstrations. Several Hindu organizations staged aggressive protests against Pakistan.

Social and political groups in Jammu burned Pakistani flags and effigies, urging the Central government to take decisive action against the perpetrators and their handlers.

Dogra Front chief Ashok Gupta stated that Pakistan-backed terrorists had crossed all limits and that the time had come to eliminate the menace of terrorism by striking the terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “Terrorists have selectively targeted members of the Hindu community, which is a challenge to the central government. It is time Pakistan is taught a lesson,” said Gupta.

A complete bandh was observed in Jammu following a call by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and transport associations. The Bar Association also supported the call, while several groups in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar condemned the killings and organised protests.

Police were deployed in sensitive localities, including Gujjar Nagar, Bhatindi, and Khatikan Talab, among others.

Shiv Sena (UBT) also organised a protest, during which members of the group burned Pakistani flags and effigies of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-backed TRF group, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

The party’s UT chief, Manish Sahni, said, “Terrorism must be completely eradicated, and strong military action should be taken against their masters in Pakistan. The massacre of Hindus cannot be tolerated.”

At a meeting convened by the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, its chairman, Arshad Ali Choudhary, expressed deep anguish and condemned the “barbaric and inhumane terror attack in Pahalgam.”

In a statement, the Chamber of Tourism, Trade, and Industry, Katra (CTTIK), said that at a time when the tourism industry in J&K was witnessing a promising revival, the terror attack was an assault not only on peace and humanity but also on the collective efforts of countless individuals striving to restore the region’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.