Delhi traders observe day-long bandh to protest Pahalgam terror attack

Markets across the national capital remained shut on Friday as trade associations observed a day-long bandh in protest against the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians earlier this week.

More than 100 prominent markets, including Sadar Bazar, Bhagirath Place, Gandhi Nagar, Naya Bazar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and Hauz Qazi, are participating in the bandh.

Various merchant associations from sectors such as textiles, spices, utensils, and bullion also joined the shutdown.

Sadar Bazar, one of Delhi's most prominent markets, wore a deserted look as even vegetable vendors did not turn up, reported PTI citing a member of the traders' association.

Asia's largest wholesale readymade garment market in Gandhinagar remained completely shut.

"The shutdown was held to demand justice for the tourist who was killed and to stand united against terrorism," the market association said in a statement.

Several trade associations in Delhi had called for a complete shutdown of markets in the national capital on Friday.

“The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of innocent citizens, has caused deep sorrow and anger among the trading community. As a mark of tribute to the deceased and in strong solidarity with the government, leading trade associations of Delhi have called for a complete shutdown of markets in Delhi on 25 April,” CAIT said in a statement.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) also expressed anger over the attack and extended support to the bandh, saying he move was a symbolic protest against terrorism and a message of unity from the trading community.

"This is not just a protest; it is a collective stand against terrorism. We are all united in this fight and are observing the bandh in memory of those who lost their lives in Pahalgam," Brijesh Goyal, Chairperson of the CTI, said on Friday.

CAIT appealed to traders to observe the bandh peacefully and urged the Delhi Police and local authorities to ensure law and order is maintained across the city.

There has been no official notification from the Delhi government or police regarding the bandh. Therefore, government offices, banks, and most private establishments are expected to function normally. Public transport services are also likely to remain unaffected.

The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian nationals in Pakistan to return home at the earliest and warned against travelling to the neighbouring country. The move follows a series of retaliatory measures announced after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi, addressing a rally in Bihar on Thursday, vowed that the perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice. “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending trade ties, including those routed through third countries. It also rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming any obstruction of its water rights under the pact as an “act of war”.