A conspiracy against J&K's peace and economy, says JKNC leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmad on Pahalgam terror attack

Speaking to the ANI on Wednesday, Ahmad said, "This is a big conspiracy against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It's a direct attempt to derail our economy,".

"Those poor people had come here to celebrate their holidays. They were unarmed, innocent, and they were attacked. What religion allows the killing of innocents? None. Such people have no religion."

Ahmad emphasised the timing of the attack, just as the tourist season is set to begin. "Tourism is the backbone of our economy," he said. He also said that civil societies should play a role.

Ahmad stated that the burden of responsibility cannot be placed solely on the government. "Don't think this is just the job of the government. Every citizen has a role to play."

When questioned about whether India should send a strong message to Pakistan, Ahmad said, " Now I don't know what kind of strong message it will be, but we have been thirty-five years old. And in this age of thirty-five years, sometimes we get a glimpse of peace, and then another horrific tragedy. It is their responsibility to make the decision"

This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The government, however, has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties in the terror attack in Pahalgam.

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has sent shock waves across the country, especially within the local community, which has called for a shutdown.

Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of Pahalgam Taxi Association, says, "I condemn this attack. It is not just tourists, but our livelihood, our families. We don't consider them tourists. It is as if our family members have been killed. I request that the government investigate this matter thoroughly. Pahalgam has always been peaceful, and it runs on tourism."

The business community in the Poonch district has put locks in markets while protesting and extending solidarity to the victims. They were seen shouting slogans, "Pakistan Haye Haye! Dehshatgardi band karo!".

Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Akhnoor and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack.

Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible. Security has been heightened since the attack, with visuals from the area showing the streets deserted in the usually bustling tourist area. Many organisations have also called for a Jammu bandh following the attack.

With the situation tense in the area, some tourists have decided to cut their trips short as well. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a briefing meeting with EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials immediately after landing in Delhi from Saudi Arabia.