Pahalgam terror attack: Markets shut in several parts of Himachal today; Congress defers its April 26 rally

Shimla: A wave of anger and grief has swept across Himachal Pradesh following the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

In protest, markets across the state remained closed till afternoon on Thursday (April 23, 2025), with traders and citizens expressing their strong condemnation of the attack.

The capital city Shimla witnessed a complete shutdown on the iconic Mall Road and Middle Bazaar.
While business establishments across the state remained closed from early morning till 11 am, Shimla traders extended the shutdown till 1 pm.

Public outrage in Chamba and beyond

The Himachal Pradesh Beopar Mandal, led by state president Sumesh Sharma and general secretary Rakesh Kailash, strongly condemned the attack and called for unity against terrorism.

In Chamba district, mass protests were held following a call by the local traders’ association and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Markets remained closed in Chamba, Banikhet, Chowari and Bharmour as both Hindu and Muslim shopkeepers stood together in solidarity.

Congress rally deferred amid mourning

In the wake of the tragic incident, the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee has postponed its proposed “Save the Constitution” rally, which was scheduled to take place on April 26 in Shimla.

Naresh Chauhan, chief media adviser to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stated that the rally would not be held in the current atmosphere of sorrow and unrest. He emphasised that the government stood with the victims and their families in this difficult time.

TNR News Network