Over 100 markets across Delhi, including Sardar Bazaar, Bhagirath Place, Gandhinagar, Naya Bazar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and Hauz Qazi, are participating in the bandh today.
In view of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Delhi markets will remain closed on Friday. This decision comes after a call from the Delhi traders association, which called on shops to close down for a day in support of the victims of the terror attack.
Over 100 markets across Delhi, including Sardar Bazaar, Bhagirath Place, Gandhinagar, Naya Bazar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and Hauz Qazi, are participating in the bandh today.
Merchant associations from the textiles, spices, utensils, and bullion industries have also joined in for the bandh.
Over in Gandhinagar, Asia's largest wholesale garment market also closed down in support. "The shutdown was held to demand justice for the tourist who was killed and to stand united against terrorism," read the official statement issued.
"This is not just a protest; it is a collective stand against terrorism. We are all united in this fight and are observing the bandh in memory of those who lost their lives in Pahalgam," Brijesh Goyal, Chairperson of the CTI, told news agency PTI.
Since the Pahalgam Attack earlier this week, several candlelight marches and vigils have been carried out across India. In Delhi's Connaught Place, Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) also held a march on Thursday in solidarity with the 26 victims of the terror attack.
Following the attack in Pahalgam, India and Pakistan have downgraded their ties with one another. With immediate effect, India cancelled all visas for Pakistani nationals, including the SAARC exemption visas.
Furthermore, the Indus Valley treaty of 1960 was held in abeyance until "Pakistan takes accountability for cross-border terrorism."
Additionally, Pakistani military officials in India were declared persona non-grata, and the diplomatic mission on both sides were reduced to 30, from the current 55.
In response, Pakistan closed down its airspace for Indian airlines and suspended all trade with India. Islamabad has also signaled towards suspending the Shimla Agreement of 1972.