London (TDI): As tensions between Pakistan and India escalate in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistani and Indian diaspora protesters confronted other each outside the missions of both countries in London over the weekend.
At the Pakistan High Commission in Lowndes Square, Belgravia, on Saturday and the Indian High Commission in Aldwych on Sunday, emotions ran high as both sides exchanged derogatory slogans and offensive gestures.
Police officers were called early Sunday morning after reports of a man smashing windows at the Pakistani High Commission. Police apprehended a 41-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage.
Eyewitnesses reported that Indian protesters threw eggs and saffron dye at the embassy walls.
Similarly, some Pakistani demonstrators faced a large number of Indian protesters, who were also joined by pro-Israel demonstrators, chanting anti-Pakistan slogans.
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Pakistani protesters set up a tea stall outside the Pakistan mission, in reference to the viral line by Indian pilot Abhinandan, who was held captive by the Pakistan military in 2019 when his plane was shot down inside Pakistani territory.
A man stood on the balcony of the Pakistan mission and waved a cup of tea, according to Dawn.
One eyewitness said that a pro-BJP group decided to launch the anti-Pakistan protest outside the Pakistan mission, calling on scores of demonstrators. To counter it, PML-N’s UK chapter organized a counter-protest and used a sound system to drown out the anti-Pakistan slogans.
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At both sites, Met Police officers stood forming a protective line between the two groups as anger and derogatory slogans were exchanged.
Indian protesters carried placards inscribed with “I am Hindu” and waved empty water bottles, chanting “do you want water”, referring to New Delhi’s unilateral move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Both sides also bared music, with the Pakistani demonstrators chanting “Pak Fauj Zindabad” and “ISI Zindabad”.
