BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, part of the all-party delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, strongly criticised Pakistan for backing terrorism. Speaking in London, he said, “Pakistan begs on one side and spreads terrorism on the other.” He stressed that India doesn’t need outside mediation to tackle terrorism and knows how to deal with it.
While addressing the Indian community at India House, he urged them to act as ambassadors. “Our army will fight on the ground. But we must fight diplomatically and on social media too,” he said. Khatana praised the Indian diaspora’s enthusiasm and commitment to the nation.
Khatana Highlights Kashmir’s Democratic Progress
Khatana pointed out that Pakistan felt threatened by the rise in democratic participation in Kashmir after Article 370 was revoked. He criticised Pakistan for sending infiltration and drugs in return for India sharing river water. “We gave them 80% of our rivers’ water, and in return, we got terrorism, infiltration, and drugs,” he added.
He said Pakistan wants to disrupt peace in Kashmir because democracy weakens the military’s hold there. “Over 40,000 people were killed in the last 30 years. Many became orphans, and Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave,” he said.
MJ Akbar Calls Terror Attacks ‘Fascism and Ethnic Cleansing’
Former Union Minister MJ Akbar called recent terror attacks in Pahalgam acts of fascism. “This is the terror of ethnic cleansing,” he said, reminding the audience of Europe’s history with fascism. He added that Pakistan was born in violence and still clings to it.
He also cited Mahatma Gandhi’s response to terrorism in 1947. “Gandhiji said the state must stand up. The Indian Army must not retreat. They will give their lives, but never retreat,” Akbar noted. He urged the audience to explain this ideology to others to honour those who died fighting terrorism.
Daggubati Purandeswari Emphasises India’s Peaceful Nature
BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari said India has never raised arms against another country. “If India has ever waged war, it has been against underdevelopment, poverty, and unemployment,” she said.
She described a chilling moment when a woman begged a terrorist to kill her after he shot her husband. “His response was, ‘Go and tell Modi’,” she recounted. She added that Operation Sindoor showed India’s resolve after the Pahalgam attack.
Samik Bhattacharya Blames Pakistan’s Creation on India’s Peaceful Approach
BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya said India chose peace over civil war, which led to Pakistan’s creation. “We didn’t want civil war, so Pakistan was formed,” he said.
He criticised those who divided India and said Pakistan continues to harm others while India walks with pride. “We didn’t come here to beg. We came here to warn that what is happening to us can happen to you,” he told the diaspora.
Priyanka Chaturvedi Condemns Pakistan’s Terror Support
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised Pakistan for supporting terrorism. She said, “They host the T20 — the top 20 terrorists of the world.” She recalled how Osama bin Laden was hidden in Pakistan and supported by its state.
She also referred to a speech by Pakistan’s Army Chief before the Pahalgam attack. “He said there’s a difference between Hindus and Muslims. But 200 million Indian Muslims stood with India and demanded a strong response,” she said. Chaturvedi added that India’s Muslims rejected Pakistan’s divisive ideology.
High Commissioner Praises Indian Diaspora in the UK
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, praised the Indian community for strengthening India-UK ties. He said people of Indian origin have helped build and rebuild the UK after the world wars.
“Our community has helped shape the UK’s growth and achievements. Today, Indians hold top positions here, and because of their hard work, India is seen in a positive light,” he said. Over 650 people had registered to attend the event within two days, showing their dedication to India and its global partnerships.
