Shutdowns to peace walks, Mumbaiites step up in solidarity

MUMBAI: Citizens on Saturday took to the streets to pay their homage to the CRPF jawans who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack and demand strict action against the perpetrators.

While candle light marches were held in some parts of the city, several shopkeepers downed their shutters as a mark of their protest.

Citizens’ group, All India Anti-terrorist Front, conducted a peace walk at Zaveri Bazaar, which was joined by several traders in the area who had kept their shops shut. “It is necessary that we look at the security arrangements in our country because maybe there was a lapse in security, which led to the attack,” said Dhruv Sayani, general secretary of the Front.

Meanwhile, residents of Kirol Gaothan, in Kurla, organised a candle light march to condemn all kinds of terror attacks. “We feel for the families of the soldiers. Our government pays a huge sum of money to cricketers, but our soldiers are neglected. The government needs to take a tough stance and give a fitting reply to Pakistan,” said Yogesh More, organiser of the march.

Followers of the Swaminarayan temples in Mumbai and Gujarat collected ₹25 lakh by Saturday evening, which will be donated to the families of the martyrs.

“During an event in Gujarat, our religious leaders announced that the proceedings would be doubled and given to families of the jawans who lost their lives. We hope to collect ₹1 crore once prayers for our martyrs are held across the country,” said Sagar Chudasama, president, Dahisar Swaminarayan Satsang Samaj. He said the group had donated for the welfare of soldiers earlier also.

On Friday, the Siddhivinayak Temple trust had announced it will be providing help of ₹51 lakh to the families of the martyrs.