A partial bandh was observed in the national capital on Friday in the wake of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of over two dozen civilians. The bandh, called by several trade bodies including the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), was a symbolic gesture of mourning and a stand against the escalating violence.
While the call for shutdown received a mixed response in Delhi, the sentiment of solidarity resonated citywide. Prominent markets such as Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Connaught Place remained open. Over 700 markets and 56 industrial zones functioned normally, reflecting the absence of consensus among several market associations. According to the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), discussions with more than 100 trade groups revealed a reluctance to fully endorse the bandh.
Despite most businesses remaining operational, symbolic demonstrations were held across the capital. Peaceful candlelight marches, placards condemning terrorism, and posters expressing grief marked the cityscape as traders and citizens came together to show unity against the attack.
Public services&mdash;including schools, banks, transport, and essential health services&mdash;continued without disruption. Emergency medical services were on full alert, ensuring no lapse in critical care.
Though not a complete shutdown, the Delhi bandh served as a poignant reminder of the nation&rsquo;s collective outrage and grief. It underscored the deep yearning for peace, justice, and solidarity in the face of an act that shocked the conscience of the nation.
Elsewhere in India, similar sentiments played out in visible, public ways. In Phagwara, Punjab, a day-long bandh was observed with support from both Hindu and Muslim communities. Jammu witnessed a BJP-led bandh after twin attacks in the region, impacting businesses and local transport. Srinagar saw peaceful protests and solidarity gatherings, while Ludhiana&rsquo;s trade unions organized symbolic demonstrations. In Kolkata, commercial areas experienced brief stoppages, and Chandigarh observed a partial bandh, with key commercial zones like Sector 17 downing shutters.
Amritsar reported marches and protest rallies, while Rajasthan saw a more widespread response&mdash;markets closed across major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, with peaceful rallies echoing the public&rsquo;s demand for an end to violence.
These scattered yet connected responses across states reflected a growing national consensus: a unified stand against terrorism and a collective mourning for the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam attack.
(With inputs from IANS)
<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb34ERXCnA7lrMp57S3N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow the Benefit News channel on WhatsApp</a>

Nation mourns Pahalgam terror victims with bandhs, rallies, and unified calls for peace across cities

Pahalgam Tragedy Sparks Partial Bandh in Delhi

Nation mourns Pahalgam terror victims with bandhs, rallies, and unified calls for peace across cities

April 25, 2025 | 13:50 IST