KCCI, FCIK, J&K Private Schools Association, others call for “Kashmir Bandh” on Wednesday 

Srinagar — A collective wave of grief and outrage has swept across Kashmir following Monday’s brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including tourists and locals.

In response, several prominent trade, industrial, and educational bodies have announced a Kashmir Bandh on Wednesday, April 23, as a mark of protest, mourning, and solidarity.

In their official press statements issued to Ziraat Times, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir, and the Private Schools’ Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), among others, have backed the shutdown, describing the attack as a crime against humanity and an assault on the region’s long-standing culture of hospitality.

FCIK: “Bandh is a Message of Unity and Remembrance”

In a strongly worded statement, FCIK announced full closure of all industrial units across the Valley—both organised and unorganised—as a “solemn gesture of respect for the departed souls and a firm stance against forces trying to destabilize our region.”

“This Bandh is not just a shutdown—it is a message of unity, resilience, and remembrance,” the FCIK statement read. “Those who came to our homeland seeking peace and beauty were met with brutality and terror. This is not just an assault on our visitors—it is an attack on the very identity and values of Kashmir.”

Private Schools to Remain Closed Across J&K

The Private Schools’ Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) has declared a complete closure of all private educational institutions across the Union Territory on Wednesday.

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack at Pahalgam and stand in unwavering solidarity with the bereaved families,” said PSAJK President G. N. Var. “This closure is both a symbolic protest and a call for peace.”

PSAJK also urged the wider educational community to unite in prayer and reflection for a future free of violence and fear.

KCCI to Mobilize Volunteers, Convene Stakeholders

KCCI Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said the Chamber would not only observe the Bandh but also organize a broad-based stakeholders’ meeting in the coming days to devise a common strategy for ensuring the safety and dignity of visitors to Kashmir.

In an extraordinary gesture of solidarity, KCCI has called upon all its member associations to deploy volunteers at major tourist hubs. “Volunteers wearing black bands will be stationed outside hotels, restaurants, parks, and other public spaces to reassure and protect tourists,” the Chamber announced.

Tourist Movement Exempt from Bandh

In a joint appeal the business and trade associations have clarified that the movement of tourist vehicles will be exempt from the Bandh. “Our protest is against terrorism, not against tourism. We are committed to upholding Kashmir’s legacy of hospitality,” KCCI emphasized.