J-K terror attack: Residents take out candlelight marches across Kashmir

Srinagar: Candlelight marches were held at several places in Kashmir against the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Candlelight vigils as a mark of protest against the attack were held in Pahalgam, Srinagar, Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora, officials said.

A large number of people came out on roads to protest the attack and denounce it.

The protestors said the marches were to express solidarity with the victims of the attack and send a message of unity.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Army's Chinar Corps said the people of Kashmir held candlelight marches in response to the senseless violence.

"In a cowardly and heart-wrenching act of violence terrorists opened fire on innocent tourists and locals. In the immediate aftermath, Joint Forces are overseeing the situation. Medical teams were swiftly mobilized and casualty evacuation commenced," the Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

"In response to this senseless violence and the anguish caused to local sentiments, candle march was organised in Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir by local populace," it added.

The Army said a joint search operation has been launched by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag.

"The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice," it said.