TOI Correspondent from London: Hundreds of Indian-origin supporters gathered Sunday outside the Indian high commission in London, overwhelming a small protest organised by British Pakistanis aimed at “rejecting Indian propaganda” following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists.
While about 50 people turned up for the Pakistan protest opposite the high commission, hundreds of PIOs (persons of Indian origin) filled the area in front of the mission building. The Indian side, separated by police barricades, displayed a massive Tricolour on the building and used a loudspeaker to outvoice the Pakistani protesters, singing the national anthem and chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Some could be seen shaking water bottles.
The Pakistani protesters raised slogans against PM Narendra Modi and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”, but lacked placards and enthusiasm. “This is a disaster,” said a Pakistani journalist on the scene. Mohsin, a protester, claimed the tensions were linked to upcoming assembly elections in Bihar.
“Modi needed this because of the elections in Bihar. They have blamed Pakistan without any investigation,” he said. “There won’t be war,” added Zubair, another protester, claiming that accusations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam massacre lacked proof.
“They can’t stop the water coming to us as they have no dams. They can’t keep the water,” Zubair said, referencing India suspending Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam attack.
On the Indian side, some participants waved both Indian and Israeli flags. Dheeraj questioned the motives behind the Pakistani protest: “Why are they even here protesting in front of the India high commission?” Placards held by Indian supporters read “Hafiz Saeed Mastermind 26/11” and “Professionalism at the best sar tan se juda — Pakistan high commission hospitality,” referencing a throat-slitting gesture made Friday.
“They are shamelessly protesting and pretending to be victims,” said Gaurav. Another supporter, Indranil, pointed to economic gains in J&K: “GDP has gone up considerably. Pakistan does not want to see J&K flourish. The terrorists shot men in front of their children. It was a cold-blooded genocide,” he said.
The protests have riled right-wing commentators in UK. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, shared a video of the confrontation, writing: “If it’s not Gaza it’s India v Pakistan sectarian politics being fought on our London streets. Chaps this is Britain. Take your national disputes elsewhere.”
Journalist Isabel Oakeshott also posted a video, saying: “Dozens of Met Police are battling to separate Indian and Pakistani protesters as they hurl abuse at each other. UK multiculturalism has been a DISASTER!” GB News aired a segment titled “Has multiculturalism failed?” focusing on the protest.
