Bharat Mata Ki Jai drowns Pakistan Zindabad in London

TOI Correspondent from London: Hundreds of Indian-origin supporters gathered Sunday exterior the Indian excessive fee in London, overwhelming a small protest organised by British Pakistanis aimed toward “rejecting Indian propaganda” following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist assault that left 26 individuals useless, largely vacationers.
While about 50 individuals turned up for the Pakistan protest reverse the excessive fee, a whole lot of PIOs (individuals of Indian origin) stuffed the realm in entrance of the mission constructing. The Indian facet, separated by police barricades, displayed an enormous 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 might be seen shaking water bottles.
The Pakistani protesters raised slogans towards PM Narendra Modi and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”, however lacked placards and enthusiasm. “This is a disaster,” mentioned a Pakistani journalist on the scene. Mohsin, a protester, claimed the tensions had been linked to approaching meeting elections in Bihar.
“Modi needed this because of the elections in Bihar. They have blamed Pakistan without any investigation,” he mentioned. “There won’t be war,” added Zubair, one other protester, claiming that accusations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam bloodbath lacked proof.
“They can’t stop the water coming to us as they have no dams. They can’t keep the water,” Zubair mentioned, referencing India suspending Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam assault.
On the Indian facet, some individuals waved each Indian and Israeli flags. Dheeraj questioned the motives behind the Pakistani protest: “Why are they even here protesting in front of the India high commission?” Placards held by Indian supporters learn “Hafiz Saeed Mastermind 26/11” and “Professionalism at the best sar tan se juda — Pakistan high commission hospitality,” referencing a throat-slitting gesture made Friday.
“They are shamelessly protesting and pretending to be victims,” mentioned Gaurav. Another supporter, Indranil, pointed to financial positive factors in J&Okay: “GDP has gone up considerably. Pakistan does not want to see J&K flourish. The terrorists shot men in front of their children. 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’s not Gaza it’s India v Pakistan sectarian politics being fought on our London streets. Chaps this is Britain. Take your national 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 each other. UK multiculturalism has been a DISASTER!” GB News aired a phase titled “Has multiculturalism failed?” specializing in the protest.