By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 25: In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, the Shillong Citizen Forum (SCF) has announced a candlelight vigil on Sunday at Khyndai Lad. The forum has also called for a complete shutdown of all shops and business establishments across Greater Shillong on Monday, as a mark of protest and collective mourning.
The candlelight vigil is scheduled for Sunday, from 5 pm to 7 pm, in front of the old Assembly building at Khyndai Lad, Shillong. Official permission for the event has been granted by the East Khasi Hills district administration.
As part of the protest, the organisers are urging all shopkeepers and businesses in Greater Shillong to observe a complete shutdown on Monday. In addition, a memorandum will be submitted to the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India through the Governor and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, demanding strong and decisive action against those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
“All peace-loving citizens of Greater Shillong, irrespective of caste, community, or religion, are invited to participate and share their views during the meeting,” the organisers stated in a release.
Meanwhile, Shillong’s business community has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “brutal and cowardly act of violence against innocent tourists.” Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, business leaders have extended their support for the proposed shutdown on April 28. “This attack on our fellow citizens, who were simply enjoying the beauty of our nation, cannot be tolerated. We demand the strictest possible action against those responsible,” business representatives said, emphasizing their united stand against terrorism.
MPCC tribute to victims
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) held a candlelight vigil at its premises in Congress Bhawan, Shillong, on Friday to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress workers from various affiliated wings, including the Youth Congress, Mahila Congress, Seva Dal, and party blocks across the city and suburban areas, attended the solemn gathering in large numbers.
During the vigil, MPCC Mahila President Joplyn Shylla delivered a heartfelt message of condolence, expressing deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives. She paid tribute to the victims and extended sympathy to the bereaved families. The vigil stood as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a reflection of the Congress family’s solidarity with those affected.