Shutdown in Pahalgam market over killing of Amarnath pilgrims

The market in Pahalgam near the Nunwan base camp of the Amarnath yatra today observed a shutdown to protest against the killing of seven pilgrims.

The yatra, which passes through the Pahalgam market along the traditional route to the cave shrine, was, however, going on smoothly.

“The shops and other business establishments in Pahalgam tourist resort observed a complete shutdown today in protests against the attack on Amarnath pilgrims,” a police official said.

Several trade bodies including the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, travel and tourism players; and civil society groups yesterday held silent protest against the attack on Amarnath pilgrims.

Separatist groups including both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF have also condemned the attacks on the pilgrims saying those behind the incident were not friends of Kashmiris.

Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when a bus carrying yatris was caught in cross-fire after militants attacked forces in Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday evening.

The attack took place when they were returning to Jammu from Srinagar, after visiting the cave shrine of Lord Shiva, located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 12,756 feet.