TOI Correspondent from London: Lots of of Indian-origin supporters gathered Sunday exterior the Indian excessive fee in London, overwhelming a small protest organised by British Pakistanis geared toward “rejecting Indian propaganda” following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist assault that left 26 individuals lifeless, largely vacationers.
Whereas about 50 individuals turned up for the Pakistan protest reverse the excessive fee, tons of of PIOs (individuals of Indian origin) stuffed the world in entrance of the mission constructing. The Indian aspect, separated by police barricades, displayed a large Tricolour on the constructing and used a loudspeaker to outvoice the Pakistani protesters, singing the nationwide anthem and chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Some could possibly be seen shaking water bottles.
The Pakistani protesters raised slogans in opposition to PM Narendra Modi and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”, however lacked placards and enthusiasm. “This can be a catastrophe,” mentioned a Pakistani journalist on the scene. Mohsin, a protester, claimed the tensions had been linked to approaching meeting elections in Bihar.
“Modi wanted this due to the elections in Bihar. They’ve blamed Pakistan with none investigation,” he mentioned. “There received’t be warfare,” added Zubair, one other protester, claiming that accusations of Pakistani involvement within the Pahalgam bloodbath lacked proof.
“They will’t cease the water coming to us as they don’t have any dams. They will’t preserve the water,” Zubair mentioned, referencing India suspending Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam assault.
On the Indian aspect, some members waved each Indian and Israeli flags. Dheeraj questioned the motives behind the Pakistani protest: “Why are they even right here protesting in entrance of the India excessive fee?” Placards held by Indian supporters learn “Hafiz Saeed Mastermind 26/11” and “Professionalism at one of the best sar tan se juda — Pakistan excessive fee hospitality,” referencing a throat-slitting gesture made Friday.
“They’re shamelessly protesting and pretending to be victims,” mentioned Gaurav. One other supporter, Indranil, pointed to financial good points in J&Ok: “GDP has gone up significantly. Pakistan doesn’t need to see J&Ok flourish. The terrorists shot males in entrance of their kids. It was a cold-blooded genocide,” he mentioned.
The protests have riled right-wing commentators in UK. Richard Tice, deputy chief of Reform UK, shared a video of the confrontation, writing: “If it is not Gaza it’s India v Pakistan sectarian politics being fought on our London streets. Chaps that is Britain. Take your nationwide disputes elsewhere.”
Journalist Isabel Oakeshott additionally posted a video, saying: “Dozens of Met Police are battling to separate Indian and Pakistani protesters as they hurl abuse at one another. UK multiculturalism has been a DISASTER!” GB Information aired a phase titled “Has multiculturalism failed?” specializing in the protest.
