Indian communities across the globe have come together to hold massive protests, demanding justice for the 26 victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Demonstrations took place on Sunday in several countries, including Canada, Denmark, England, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, and the United States, as well as in other parts of Europe.
The protests were sparked by the deadly attack on April 22, which targeted a group of tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, carried out by terrorists linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, left 26 people dead, including 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony handler. According to survivors and local reports, the terrorists specifically asked victims about their religion before shooting those who identified as Hindus.
Protesters around the world raised their voices in solidarity with the victims, holding placards reading “India, we stand with you” and chanting anti-Pakistan slogans. Many waved Indian flags as a mark of support for the nation and its people. Demonstrators also called for strong measures against Pakistan, which they believe was responsible for the attack.
One protester in Paris, expressing his outrage, said, “Pakistan has executed many attacks previously as well — we have seen Pulwama, 26/11, and now the Pahalgam terror attack. We don’t represent a religion or a political party. We just want to send out a message to Pakistan.”
In London, another protester added, “We are here to show our support and solidarity to the families of the people who died in the terror attack… We hope the Indian government gives a reply to Pakistan in a language they understand.”
The emotional toll of the attack was also felt by many Kashmiri Hindus, who gathered in Washington for the protests. One woman shared her personal pain, saying, “We were singled out for the faith that we followed. My grandfather was targeted and shot because he was a Hindu. April 22 brought back a lot of nightmares. We Kashmiri Hindus are facing the same and reliving the horrific incidents that happened over the decades with us.”
The recent terror attack has further escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, India has taken swift and strong actions, including expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the key Indus Waters Treaty, and shutting down the Attari land-transit post. Pakistan, in retaliation, has suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement.
Meanwhile, the Indian authorities have released sketches of three terrorists suspected of being involved in the Pahalgam attack. The suspects have been identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, both residents of Pakistan, and Adil Hussain Thoker, a native of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ongoing protests around the world serve as a reminder of the global outcry against terrorism and the quest for justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
Sources By Agencies
