In a strong display of solidarity and grief, members of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom held a peaceful protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Friday. The demonstration came in response to the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, and injured several others.
Voices Raised Against Terrorism
Holding Indian flags, placards, and banners reading “I am Hindu”, the protesters chanted slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Pakistan Murdabad”, demanding justice for the victims and action against terrorism.
“We Indians have gathered here to protest against Pakistan. They’ve nurtured a terror factory responsible for this massacre,” said a member of the protesting group.
Another protester added,
“This attack has deeply disturbed the entire Indian community living in the UK. We’re here to show our support for the victims and their families. Terrorism must end.”
Support from Indo-Jewish Community
An Indo-Jewish protester present at the event drew parallels between the Pahalgam attack and the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, expressing unwavering support for India.
“We have the same enemy – Islamist radicalisation. I survived a bomb blast in Bombay in the ’90s, and I know the pain. We’ll always stand with India against terrorism,” he said.
A Peaceful Yet Powerful Protest
The protest saw participation from people of various age groups and backgrounds, united by a common cause—condemning terrorism and standing with the victims. Despite being peaceful, the demonstration sent a strong message of resistance to those who fuel extremism.
Diplomatic Fallout: India’s Stern Measures
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government announced several diplomatic countermeasures:
- Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari
- Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals
- 40-hour deadline for Pakistani nationals in India to return
- Reduction in High Commission staff on both sides
- Halting of the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant move given the treaty was signed in 1960 with World Bank support after years of negotiation
