Students, residents march across Karnah, Gurez, Poonch
Srinagar, Apr 22: Students and residents in several areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday held marches, protests and tribute events to mark the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and calling for peace.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) in North Kashmir’s Karnah sub-division, more than 2,000 students from government and private schools participated in anti-terror marches at multiple locations, including Hajinar, Kandi and Tithwal.
Students raised slogans against terrorism and carried placards expressing support for the victims and their families.
“Our youth stand firmly against violence and believe in a peaceful and progressive future,” an official said, adding that the marches reflected a growing resolve among the younger generation.
In the Gurez valley of Bandipora district, hundreds of students and local residents gathered in Dawar area to protest against the killing of civilians in last year’s attack.
Eyewitnesses said the march began from a school ground and passed through village lanes before culminating near the riverbank close to the LoC.
“We want peace and a future without fear. Children like us should not grow up hearing about killings,” said a Class 10 student holding a placard reading “Stop Killing Innocents”.
Another student said the gathering was aimed at sending a message of unity. “We are from a border area and have grown up hearing about conflict, but we want to study and live a normal life,” she said.
Local residents also joined the protest, lighting candles and offering prayers for the victims.
“Standing here today shows that people in border areas reject violence,” said a local elder, describing the attack as a wound that still remains fresh.
Speakers at the gathering called for lasting peace and urged authorities to ensure stronger protection for civilians, particularly in tourist and remote areas.
In Poonch district, members of social and trade organisations held a tribute programme at the main market to honour those killed in the attack.
Participants offered floral tributes and observed a moment of silence, while speakers condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.
They said such attacks could not weaken the unity of the country and reiterated the need for firm action against terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack on April 22 last year, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, had triggered widespread outrage across the country.
Officials said the peaceful demonstrations and tribute events across LoC areas highlighted public rejection of violence and a collective call for peace.
Authorities said the situation across these areas remained peaceful during the events. (KNO)
