Pahalgam terror attack: Protest continues in Varanasi, Pakistan flag burnt

Varanasi: In the wake of Tuesday's terror attack which claimed 28 innocent lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, a series of protests, including candlelight demonstrations and the burning of Pakistani flag, continued in the city on Thursday.

Amid heightened tensions between Delhi and Islamabad, a large number of ‘Nemis' (devotees who offer prayers at KV temple daily) gathered at gate 4 of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and lit candles to condemn the terror act. The head of Kanchanar village in Rajatalab area, Urmila Patel, reached the district headquarters with a group of women. Holding placards in their hands, they expressed their anger against the Pahalgam attack. Patel said that the gunning down of sons and brothers by terrorists after asking their religion was more worrying. She announced a reward of Rs five lakh for any team of soldiers that would bring back the heads of terrorists. The Resident Doctors Welfare Association of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, also carried out a candle march from the institute gate to the varsity gate in Lanka area to express their anger against the terror attack. Led by their president Dr Kumar Gaurav, the protesters said that the incident has tested the country's patience and unity. Many groups of lawyers, social and voluntary organisations and political parties also carried out marches and burnt the effigies of terrorism and Pakistani flag. Video

Amidst these protests and marches, cops remained on high alert at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, railway stations, bus stands, and other places of public gathering. Massive police patrolling was also evident on most of the city roads and ghats along the river Ganga.