Members of the Indian community and diaspora groups gathered for a protest entitled “All Eyes on Pahalgam” outside the Pakistan High Commission in London as a show of unity and condemnation of the brutal terrorist attack in the Kashmir Valley.
Waving Indian flags, banners and placards with counter-terror messaging, the protesters expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and demanded justice for the victims. They raised slogans against terrorism and criticised Pakistan for allegedly supporting and harbouring terror groups responsible for such attacks.
In a shocking gesture from inside the Pakistan High Commission, an official was seen making a threatening throat-slitting gesture towards the Indian protesters gathered at the opposite end.
In videos that went viral on social media, a man believed to be Colonel Taimur Rahat, Pakistan Army and Air Advisor in the High Commission in London, was caught making the gesture while holding up a sketch of Captain Abhinandan – the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who had been held captive by Pakistan six years ago.
The demonstration in central London was peaceful, drawing participants from various age groups and backgrounds who came together in solidarity with the victims and their families. The Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK said the aim was to use “powerful slogans and emotional speeches” to demand strict international action.
“Community leaders urged the UK government to stand with India and reconsider its policy towards Pakistan,” the group said.
The protestors condemned the Pakistan High Commission for playing loud music and making insensitive remarks and gestures while people were in grief and mourning.
In a statement, the organisers said: "The protest was a call for justice and accountability. However, in a disturbing and shameful turn of events, officials within the Pakistan Embassy were seen playing loud celebratory music during the protest – a tone-deaf and disgraceful act that added deep insult to an already grievous injury.
“While the world mourns the victims, the embassy's actions displayed a shocking lack of empathy and human decency. Organisers condemn the embassy's insensitive behaviour amid national grief. This horrifying terror attack, allegedly linked to Pakistan-sponsored militants, has sparked global condemnation. Families on pilgrimage were brutally attacked – slaughtered simply for their faith."
(*With ANI Inputs)
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