Hyderabad remembers Pahalgam victims with silence, solidarity, and candlelight

Players and umpires observe a moment of silence to pay respects to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 cricket match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, in Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: PTI

In a solemn display of unity and sorrow, tourism operators at the Tourism Plaza, Begumpet, gathered on Wednesday to pay tributes to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The condolence meeting was marked by candlelight and floral tributes, along with a two-minute silence observed by all attendees, including senior tourism officials and stakeholders from the travel industry.

The meeting was attended by Tourism Secretary Smita Sabharwal who condemned the attack expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and underscoring the need to protect the sanctity of tourism and national unity.

Later in the evening, a candle march was organised in Begum Bazar by the Hyderabad Kirana Merchants’ Association. Citizens from all walks of life joined the march to condemn the attack, stand in solidarity with the victims, and reaffirm their commitment to a terror-free society.

At the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, a minute’s silence was observed ahead of the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. As a mark of respect, all players, support staff, commentators, and match officials wore black armbands during the game.

Meanwhile on Change.org, a campaign was released with a joint statement endorsed by over 571 individuals from India and countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK. The statement calls for immediate action against the perpetrators and stresses the need for long-term peace solutions that involve local communities.

The declaration also acknowledged the courageous efforts of local Muslim residents who helped victims by transporting the injured to hospitals using ponies. Mazher Hussain of the COVA Peace Network, highlighted the broader implications of the attack. “Let us not allow a handful of inhuman perpetrators to dictate the narrative or divide us. Unity, empathy, and peace must guide our response,” he stated.