Sendhwa (Madhya Pradesh): Sendhwa city completely shut down on Friday as women leaders and religious groups protested against the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Markets remained closed till 3:30 pm as women from Sakal Hindu Samaj, led by Municipal Council president Basantibai Yadav marched through streets.
The shutdown affected all major commercial areas including Sadar Bazar, Ram Bazar and Old Bus Stand.
"Terrorism cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Those who kill after asking about religion deserve the harshest punishment" declared Yadav during the demonstration.
BJP Women's Front district president Lakshmi Sharma joined the protest, while Advocate Vimala Sharma demanded that "terrorists should be answered in their language."
Following afternoon prayers, the Muslim community also joined the protests against terrorism. They gathered at Maulana Azad Chowk and marched to SDM's office carrying signs reading "Down with Pakistan" and "Down with Terrorism." Before reaching the SDM office, protesters burned an effigy of Pakistan at the fort gate.
At the SDM office, Muslim leaders gave speeches condemning the attack. "We stand against anyone who threatens India. We demand the government take strict action against those who commit such cowardly acts," community representatives stated while submitting a memorandum addressed to the President and Prime Minister.
Throughout the day, police teams led by SDOP Ajay Waghmare and Inspector Baljeet Singh Bisen monitored the situation.
