Pulwama terror attack: residents of Noida, Greater Noida hold prayers

Some call for action, others light candles to pay homage

Memorial services and prayer meetings were held across the city on Friday.

Following Thursday’s killing of over 40 CRPF personnel, residents from Noida and Greater Noida held memorial services and prayer meetings across the city on Friday.

While some called for concrete action, residents of a high rise society urged people to light candles in their balconies as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

The Noida Authority has postponed Saturday’s Raahgiri programme to next Saturday (February 23).

‘Ban Pak singers’

Calls for retaliation against Pakistan and a boycott of its singers and musicians from the film industry echoed the air.

“Pakistan didn’t list India as most favoured nation (MFN) although India had given it due to international obligations. Snatching MFN tag from Pakistan will not help to tackle terrorism. We need stringent action,” said a retired Armyman Rakesh Kapoor.

Another resident Ram Kumar of sector 37 said “We must boycott all relationships with Pakistan and single them out internationally.”

Some voices demanded a ban on Chinese goods citing China’s “abetment” of Pakistan.

Shops shut

In some areas in the district, traders shut shops in respect of martyrs. Noida-based Armymen protested by shouting slogans against Pakistan.

Over 5,000 candles were lit in Savitri market situated in Sector 18. Many residents too lit 3 candles at their houses.

Armymen gathered at Noida Shaheed Smarak in large numbers. Local residents and groups too gathered to pay their homage to the slain jawans.

Two minutes of silence was observed by all those present there before lighting candles at the entrance of the memorial.