Leh observed a half-day shutdown in a heartfelt show of solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 23. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent individuals, has sent ripples of grief and outrage throughout the nation, including the far reaches of Ladakh.

Hundreds of residents from all walks of life gathered at Leh Gate in the evening to participate in a peaceful candlelight vigil, reciting prayers and walking in silence to Eco Park. The gathering included religious leaders, civil society members, political representatives, students, and concerned citizens—all united by a shared sense of sorrow and a demand for justice.

At a press conference held at the BJP Ladakh office earlier in the day, party leaders strongly condemned the terror attack. PT Kunzang, Spokesperson of BJP Ladakh, said, “We strongly condemn this inhuman and brutal act. We urge the Government of India to take stricter action and deliver justice to all the victims.”

Phuntsog Stanzin, State President of BJP Ladakh, added, “BJP Ladakh condemns the targeted killing of innocent people in the name of religion. We pray for the swift recovery of the injured, for peace to the souls of the deceased, and we stand in solidarity with their grieving families. We appeal to the government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Addressing the gathering at the candlelight vigil, representatives from all major religious bodies in Leh echoed similar sentiments. They unanimously condemned the terror attack and stressed the need for peace, unity, and mutual respect across communities. 

The day’s events in Leh served as a poignant reminder of the region’s deep-rooted values of peace, empathy, and interfaith harmony. Despite the distance from the site of the attack, the people of Ladakh stood shoulder to shoulder with the families affected by the tragedy, sending a clear message: terrorism will never break the spirit of unity and brotherhood in the country.