Protests Erupt Outside Pakistan High Commission in Delhi After Pahalgam Attack
Massive protests broke out outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday as demonstrators chanted anti-Pakistan slogans following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
Security barricades placed outside the Pakistan High Commission were taken down by Delhi Police on Thursday morning, clearing the way for hundreds of protesters to assemble outside the diplomatic compound. Protesters were seen waving Indian flags and raising slogans like “Pakistan Murdabad” and “Vande Mataram,” holding placards denouncing cross-border terrorism.
The removal of the barricades came a day after India officially downgraded its diplomatic relations with Pakistan, marking a sharp escalation in bilateral tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre.
The decision to scale down the diplomatic staff at both Indian and Pakistani high commissions was announced after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The strength of both missions will be reduced from 55 to 30 personnel starting May 1.
“India has taken strong steps to convey that cross-border terrorism will not be tolerated. Diplomatic channels are being recalibrated accordingly,” a senior official told on condition of anonymity.
Additionally, the government has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals and instructed those currently in India under the scheme to leave within 48 hours.
The terror attack occurred on April 22 in Baisaran Valley, also known as ‘Mini Switzerland,’ in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. Gunmen believed to be members of The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26, including a foreign national.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and horror as terrorists emerged from the pine forests and fired indiscriminately at picnicking families and pony riders.
Public anger has surged nationwide following the attack. In cities across India, candlelight vigils and silent marches have been organized in memory of the victims. Political leaders across party lines have condemned the attack and called for stringent action.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the massacre “a barbaric assault on innocent civilians” and demanded international condemnation of Pakistan’s role in sheltering terror outfits.
With tensions at an all-time high, India is expected to push for global diplomatic isolation of Pakistan over its continued support to terror networks. Meanwhile, security has been tightened around Pakistani diplomatic premises across India.
