Protest Erupts Across Gujarat Following Pahalgam Killings, Citizens Demand Justice And Action
Ahmedabad: A wave of sorrow and anger swept across Gujarat as the bodies of victims from the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, most of them tourists, were returned to their hometowns. Among the deceased were three individuals from the state, a father and his 17-year-old son from Bhavnagar, and a man from Surat. Several others sustained injuries, with some in critical condition. The Resistance Front, a militant group affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the brutal assault, which targeted civilians based on their religion.
The return of the victims’ bodies triggered widespread protests across Gujarat. In Bhavnagar, grief turned to fury as citizens burned effigies of the terrorists, demanding justice and swift government action. Demonstrations were also held in Junagadh, where members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal led protests and called for surgical strikes in retaliation.
In Ahmedabad, large groups gathered at Paldi Cross Road, voicing their outrage under the banners of Hindu organizations. Protesters condemned the attack and insisted on decisive measures to prevent future tragedies. Rajkot also witnessed intense demonstrations at Trikon Baug, with effigies set ablaze and appeals made for strong central action. Ashok Rawal, Gujarat State President of the VHP, stated that 26 people lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack and urged the government to act decisively to eliminate terrorism.
The sentiment was echoed in Dwarka, where protestors assembled at Jodhpur Naka to burn effigies and chant slogans, denouncing the killing of innocents based on their religion. In Vadodara, citizens rallied in protest, chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and demanding a firm response. Effigies were burned as symbols of public fury, and calls were made for the elimination of terrorist networks.
The statewide protests reflect a unified outcry against terrorism and a call for justice, as communities mourn the loss of innocent lives and demand accountability.