Srinagar: Business establishments and most educational institutions including private schools remained closed throughout Kashmir Valley Wednesday to protest the deadly militant attack that killed 26 people – including a local –in what is being seen as the biggest attack on civilians in recent years.
Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar city, reverberated with powerful chants like “Insaan Ka Qatle Aam Band Karo,” symbolising the collective grief and fury felt across the valley.
All shops in the commercial hub Lal Chowk and other districts of the valley remained shut. The usually bustling Jamia Market and commercial pockets of Downtown and uptown Srinagar also remained closed, including bakeries and essential stores.
Despite the widespread mourning, Srinagar International Airport saw an unusual rush of tourists trying to fly out early. Long queues formed at departure gates as uncertainty loomed over travel plans.
The bodies of the victims were brought to Srinagar’s PCR at around 9 am after completing medico-legal formalities. This comes at a time when the attack has spurred an exodus of tourists from the Valley
The home minister, who was also accompanied by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, met the families of victims at the PCR. Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, BJP’s Sunil Sharma also reached PCR Wednesday morning to pay his respects to the victims.
On Wednesday, amidst a tense situation in the city, several tourists were seen opting to leave Kashmir. The DGCA has issued an advisory on surge pricing for airfares citing “an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes.” The situation is also made arduous owing to the shutdown of the Jammu-Srinagar highway due to landslides in the Ramban area due to which parts of the highway have been washed away.
Valley Shuts To Mourn Mayhem At Meadow
