Hundreds of Indian expatriates gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Friday to protest the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left at least 28 people dead, including foreign nationals. The April 22 attack has been described as the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Holding signs that read “Stop Cross-Border Terrorism” and “Justice for Pahalgam Victims,” the demonstrators raised chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Down with Terrorism,” while waving Indian flags and observing a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in the assault.
The attack occurred in the popular tourist hub of Pahalgam, where militants opened fire on civilians before detonating an explosive device. India has directly blamed Pakistan-based terrorist organizations for orchestrating the carnage.
Global Outrage and Demands for Action
The protestors, drawn from across the UK’s Indian community, called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for continuing to provide safe haven to terror groups. “This cannot go on. The world must act,” said one protestor. “Pakistan’s denial is no longer acceptable.”
Security was heightened around the High Commission during the demonstration, with a visible presence of British police ensuring order and safety. No incidents of violence were reported.
Diplomatic Fallout Deepens
The protest comes amid a sharp rise in diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. In response to the attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled multiple Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan, in turn, issued retaliatory statements and actions. The United Nations and other global observers have urged both nations to de-escalate the situation.
Demonstrations condemning the Pahalgam terror attack are expected to take place in other global cities with significant Indian diaspora populations in the days ahead.
