Kashmir Newspapers Go Black in Powerful Protest After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Pahalgam Terror Attack Update: Srinagar. In a powerful act of protest and mourning, several leading newspapers in Kashmir printed their front pages entirely black on Wednesday, following the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 28 people, predominantly tourists. This symbolic gesture underscores the collective grief and condemnation of the heinous act that has shaken the region.

Prominent English and Urdu dailies, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taameel Irshad, featured stark black front pages with poignant headlines. Greater Kashmir led with "Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving" in white text, accompanied by a red subheadline: "26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam." Their editorial, titled "The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir’s soul," emphasized the assault as not only a tragedy for the victims but also a blow to the region's identity, hospitality, and fragile peace.

Complete Shutdown

Meanwhile, in response to the attack, Kashmir's business and travel trade bodies called for a complete shutdown on Wednesday. The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), and various travel associations urged people to suspend normal activities in solidarity with the victims. Shops, businesses, and public transport remained shut as residents united in mourning and protest. This complete shutdown against a terror attack is happening for the first time in 35 years as organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call.

As the region grapples with this tragedy, the unified response from the media, civil society, and government highlights a collective resolve to stand against terror and uphold the values of peace and hospitality that define Kashmir. Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar, the officials said. They said only shops dealing in essential commodities were open across the city. Public transport was also sparse, but private vehicles were plying normally, they added. Private schools were also shut across the valley, but government schools were open, the officials said. The effect of the shutdown was also witnessed in the other district headquarters of the valley, they said.

Peaceful protests were also held at several places in the valley, with the protestors denouncing the attack.They called for stopping the killing of innocent people. Several political parties, socio-religious organisation, trade bodies, and civil society groups called for a shutdown in Kashmir to protest against the attack in Baisaran meadows of the Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.