Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: In a heartfelt expression of grief and a bold display of defiance, the Jammu Province Bachao Manch (JBM) today organized a Candlelight Prayer and Protest at the historic Balidan Stambh, Bahu Fort, to pay homage to the 28 innocent tourists brutally killed in a barbaric militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. The victims were unarmed civilians who had come to the Valley to experience its famed natural beauty, only to meet a tragic and untimely end at the hands of radical terrorists.
The event was held under the leadership of Ashok Sharma, Chairman of JBM, senior advocate, and former MLA/MLC, who condemned the attack as a "cold-blooded massacre orchestrated by enemies of humanity." He stated, “No religion allows the killing of innocents. Those who misuse religion to justify such heinous crimes are not just enemies of the state but enemies of civilization itself.”
In addition to offering prayers, the gathering also staged a peaceful protest against Pakistan and terrorist outfits, whom they held responsible for harboring, funding, and promoting terrorism in the region. The crowd raised slogans against cross-border terrorism and demanded strict international action against the rogue state of Pakistan.
Ch. Gharu Ram, Secretary General of JBM and former Minister, appealed to the people of Jammu & Kashmir to unite across all divides. “A collective stand is the only way to uproot such a mindset. The very survival of our peaceful society depends on the elimination of radical ideologies,” he said.
Dr. Kuldeep Sharma, Chief Advisor and Spokesperson of JBM, gave chilling details of the attack. “Before executing the victims, terrorists reportedly identified them as Hindus by forcing them to remove their trousers. This is a clear case of religious cleansing and cannot be tolerated,” he said, demanding swift and uncompromising action. “The attackers and their sympathizers must be dealt with the language they understand—decisive and immediate punishment.”
Advocate Usman Salaria and Satish Poonchi, Vice Chairmen of JBM, echoed the collective outrage and sorrow, urging the government to ensure no leniency is shown to the perpetrators. “Their assets—both movable and immovable—should be confiscated and bulldozed. They must be made an example,” they insisted.
Justice Hari Om Singh and Justice KYS Manhas, retired judges and executive members of JBM, voiced concern for the safety of ordinary citizens. “We must identify and neutralize those breeding hatred in our society. Only then can this land become truly peaceful,” they said. The event concluded with a two-minute silence and a sea of glowing candles symbolizing the light of unity and the nation’s resolve to stand firm against terrorism. Among others present were social workers, local leaders, youth activists, and members of the public who vowed to continue their fight against extremism and uphold the values of peace and brotherhood.