Kishtwar ‘shutdown’ after BJP calls for street protests over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

J&K’s Kishtwar district observed a shutdown and street protests on Monday (December 21, 2025) over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh after the killing of student leader Osman Bin Hadi recently.

A bandh call was issued by Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kishtwar headed by Mahant Ramsharan Das Acharya. The bandh call was supported by BJP leaders. The shutdown resulted in the closure of the market at Kokila Chowk in town.

“The Kokila Chowk market remained closed as part of the ongoing protests. People are protesting against the attacks, and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh after the killing of Hadi. One Hindu worker was lynched and temples and religious places are under attack. We want to send a message from Kishtwar that we stand with Hindus of Bangladesh,” BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said.

Protesters raised anti-Bangladesh and pro-Sanathan slogans during street demonstrations. The BJP J&K unit is submitting a memorandum to the President, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. 

“The memorandum will put on record people’s sympathy and solidarity with Bangladeshi Hindus. We also demanded intervention from the government of India to stop attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh,” Mr. Sharma said.

Protesters said atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh should stop immediately.