The Indian community members across the globe demonstrated against the Pahalgam terror attack in several countries, including the USA and Canada, over the weekend.
According to reports, demonstrations were held in Canada, Denmark, England, France, Finland, Germany, Spain and the US.
During the protest, the demonstrators were seen holding placards, chanting anti-Pakistan slogans, and even waving Indian flags.
A protester in Paris told ANI news agency: “Pakistan has executed many attacks previously as well, we have seen Pulwama, 26/11 (Mumbai) 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.”
A member of the Indian community, who joined the demonstrations in London, told the Indian news agency: “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.”
Pahalgam attack
Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam town witnessed one of the deadliest attacks in recent times when terrorists gunned down 26 people, mostly non-Muslim tourists, as they were spending time in the picturesque Baisaran meadows in the Valley.
Survivors said the gunmen asked some victims about their religion and demanded they recite Islamic verses. Those who failed or hesitated were shot in the head.
Security officials said at least five terrorists split into smaller groups and attacked three zones in the meadow.
Lasting under ten minutes, the assault left 26 dead, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator.
Two security personnel — from the Navy and the Intelligence Bureau — were also killed.
The role of a terror group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba has emerged in the terror incident.
Police have released sketches of three terrorists who are suspected of being involved in the attack.
They have been identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, who are residents of Pakistan.
The other terrorist has been identified as Anantnag native Adil Hussain Thoker.
The attack has further deteriorated ties between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.
India’s strong response
The Modi government has taken tit-for-tat diplomatic steps against Pakistan, suspending the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border with an immediate effect, cancelling Pakistani visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, asking the Pakistani advisors to leave India within a week and reducing the overall strength of High Commissions to 30 from the existing 55 effective from May 1, 2025.
Promising a strong retaliation against Pakistan over one of the worst terror attacks that took place in the popular tourist spot in peak season of tourism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24 said the terrorists and their backers will pay unimaginable costs for the attack on innocent tourists.
