New Delhi, April 25, 2025 — The capital city of India wore a somber look today as a citywide bandh was observed in honor of the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The call for the bandh, supported by several political and traders’ associations, saw widespread shutdowns across prominent markets and a notable drop in daily activity across various sectors.

The atmosphere in Delhi was one of collective grief, unity, and silence. From the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk to the glitzy storefronts of Connaught Place, shutters remained down, and the streets bore an unusually quiet demeanor. Citizens from all walks of life joined the tribute to those who lost their lives in the brutal attack that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

What Prompted the Bandh?

The bandh was called following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 14 innocent civilians and injured over two dozen more. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, was one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the valley in recent years. In a gesture of solidarity with the victims and their families, several trader organizations, civil society groups, and political parties urged for a day of mourning and silence.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and the Delhi Market Association played key roles in mobilizing support across the city. Their appeal struck a chord, with thousands of shopkeepers and business owners voluntarily deciding to keep their establishments closed.

Major Markets Remain Shut

Some of Delhi's busiest commercial zones voluntarily closed their shutters to join the citywide mourning. Among them:

Chandni Chowk: One of Delhi's oldest and most crowded marketplaces looked deserted. Shopkeepers said this was the least they could do to show support for the bereaved families.

Connaught Place: Known for its buzzing cafes, branded stores, and office spaces, the area experienced an unusual calm with minimal foot traffic.

Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar: These typically bustling retail hubs joined the shutdown in full swing. Even roadside vendors stayed home.

Sadar Bazaar and Kamla Nagar: Heavily frequented for wholesale and student shopping, these areas remained inactive.

The unified closure was a rare sight in a city known for its relentless pace, indicating the deep emotional impact the Pahalgam tragedy has had on the citizens of Delhi.

Public Sentiment and Voices from the Ground

The mood among citizens was a mixture of sorrow and resilience. Many Delhiites took to the streets—not in protest, but in silent gatherings and candlelight vigils. Groups gathered at India Gate, holding placards that read “Delhi Remembers” and “We Stand With Pahalgam.”

Rahul Bansal, a garment shop owner from Lajpat Nagar, said, “Business is important, but today we are standing with the families who’ve lost their loved ones. We want them to know Delhi is with them.”

Students from various universities, including Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), organized prayer meets and discussions on the need for stronger internal security and counter-terrorism strategies.

What Remained Open

Despite the large-scale shutdown, essential services and emergency facilities continued to operate:

Hospitals and pharmacies remained open, ensuring that healthcare services were not disrupted.

Public transport, including Delhi Metro and DTC buses, operated on regular schedules, albeit with reduced passenger numbers.

Milk booths and grocery shops in residential areas opened for limited hours during the morning.

Government offices functioned normally, though many reported lower attendance than usual.

Some eateries and food delivery services also remained operational, especially those catering to senior citizens and hospitals.

Political Responses and Statements

Political reactions poured in from across the spectrum. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his condolences and praised the city's response. “Delhi has shown today that we are one in times of pain. My heart goes out to the families affected by the horrific Pahalgam attack,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a strong statement assuring the nation that the perpetrators will not be spared. “This cowardly attack will be avenged. We are strengthening our intelligence network to ensure such acts are thwarted before they happen,” he said.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, also condemned the attack and supported the bandh as a form of peaceful solidarity.

Social Media and Online Tributes

Social media was flooded with tributes under hashtags such as #PahalgamAttack, #DelhiBandh, and #IndiaRemembers. Celebrities, sports figures, and influencers joined the movement, urging followers to participate in the bandh and spread awareness about the tragedy.

A viral post showing a flower wreath placed in front of a closed shop in Karol Bagh, with a handwritten note saying “In silence, we speak,” was widely shared as a symbol of the day’s mood.

Security Tightened Across the Capital

With large gatherings and a citywide shutdown, the Delhi Police was on high alert. Additional forces were deployed across sensitive locations, including major markets, metro stations, and landmarks like India Gate and Rajpath. While the day remained peaceful, authorities were vigilant throughout to avoid any untoward incidents.

Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora said, “We appreciate the peaceful nature of the bandh and the cooperation of Delhiites. Security remains high, and we are maintaining a close watch.”

A Day of Reflection and Resolve

While economic activity took a backseat, the bandh served as a powerful message of unity and national consciousness. More than a protest, it was a reflection of the city’s deep empathy and its refusal to accept terrorism as a norm.

Civic leaders and social activists emphasized that while such gestures matter, there’s also a need for continuous dialogue, policy overhaul, and citizen vigilance. “Bandhs like today’s are reminders, but we must follow up with lasting change and reforms,” said Dr. Meena Narula, a policy analyst and former member of the Delhi Human Rights Council.

Looking Ahead

As Delhi resumes its routine tomorrow, the memory of the bandh—and more importantly, the reason behind it—will linger. There are already talks among citizens’ groups to hold monthly peace gatherings, and several NGOs are collecting donations for the affected families in Pahalgam.

The city’s collective silence today spoke volumes. In its stillness, Delhi roared its protest against terror and lit a beacon of solidarity for the rest of the country to follow.