Bhopal is mourning and seething in equal measure after the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The city’s traders and community leaders on Thursday responded with visible solidarity and strong words of condemnation.
Wholesale medicine traders wore black armbands while working as a mark of protest. The market—home to nearly 400 wholesale outlets—closed at 6 pm as traders walked in a silent procession towards the Kali Mandir near Puttha Mill, ending with a tribute to the victims.
“Shopkeepers are wearing black armbands while working as a mark of protest,” said Jitendra Dhakad, President of the Bhopal Chemist Association. “After closing shops at 6 pm, we will hold a silent rally followed by a tribute ceremony,” he said.
The city’s response has gone beyond symbolic gestures. The Darul Qaza and Darul Ifta under the Masajid Committee issued a sharp statement condemning the attack, calling it “an act that has shamed all of humanity”. They offered condolences on behalf of the Muslim community and appealed to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to “take strict action against those responsible”. The All India Ulema Board took an unflinching stance. Its President, Qazi Syed Anas Ali, said, “Whoever kills an innocent soul is akin to having killed all of humanity.” He condemned the terrorist organisations and Pakistan, demanding “a complete boycott of Pakistan by the Indian government”.
He added, “Terrorism has no connection with Islam,” and urged citizens to “stand united against terrorism and express support for the families of the martyrs”. Haji Mohammad Imran, Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Sarvadharma Sadbhavna Manch, echoed the anger. “It was not only an attack on innocent civilians but on all of humanity.” He called for “stringent action against the terrorists”. Meanwhile, a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act planned for Friday has been postponed, organiser Shahrukh Pathan said. He too condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling it “an act of cowardice”. “Attacking tourists is extremely unfortunate,” he said. “We extend our deepest condolences to all the injured and deceased.” Across the city, voices continue to speak in one tone—grief for the dead, and a call for unity, vigilance and justice in the face of terror.
