Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Ellaquai Dehati Bank Temporarily Shuts Branches in Kashmir
Ellaquai Dehati Bank, a prominent Regional Rural Bank in South Kashmir shuts 50+ branches after Pahalgam attack. Staff cite safety advisories and hope for early resumption.
Author: Saurav Kumar
Published: April 23, 2025
In the aftermath of the tragic attack on tourists in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, several branches of Ellaquai Dehati Bank (EDB) in the region have been temporarily closed. The incident has heightened concerns among EDB staff, particularly those stationed in southern districts of the Valley.
On April 22, 26 tourists were killed by terrorists in Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, sparking widespread condemnation and triggering local security alerts.
Temporary Closures Across South Kashmir
EDB, a prominent Regional Rural Bank operating across Jammu & Kashmir, has reportedly halted operations in over 50 branches, primarily as a precautionary measure. These include:
- 15 branches in Budgam and Pulwama (Region 1)
- 37 branches in Anantnag (Region 2)
An employee posted at EDB’s Aishmuqam branch, located just 15 kilometers from Baisaran valley, where the attack occurred, shared with Kanal:
“In view of the terrorist attack, we have been directed to close the branch for safety as a priority. However, directions on resuming bank services are still awaited.”
The closures follow advisories from local police and district administrations, following the April 22 incident in Pahalgam that led to a region-wide bandh in protest.
Staff Movement Restricted, Services Paused
With heightened security advisories in place, bank staff have been asked to limit movement, leading to a temporary suspension of services in several locations.
An EDB employee, speaking to Kanal on condition of anonymity, explained:
“Most branches are temporarily shut after local authorities advised us to limit movement. It’s a matter of precaution—we hope to resume operations shortly.”
Another official acknowledged that this is not an isolated disruption, but part of a pattern of operational challenges rural banks have faced in the region:
“Over the years, curfews, security alerts, and sudden shutdowns have affected customer outreach and slowed financial activity in many parts of the Valley.”
In earlier reports, Kanal highlighted the vulnerabilities of rural banking in Jammu and Kashmir. One such example is a J&K Grameen Bank branch near Srinagar that operates under constant CRPF security.
Public Response and Precautionary Measures
The April 22 incident prompted a widespread bandh (shutdown) call, supported by various civil society groups, to condemn the attack. Daily life, including transport and trade, was affected across multiple districts.
The temporary suspension of EDB branch operations underscores the complex interplay between financial service delivery and regional stability in one of India’s most sensitive conflict zones.
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