New Delhi: Widespread public anger spilled onto the streets of New Delhi on Wednesday as hundreds gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in Chanakyapuri, the city’s diplomatic enclave, to protest the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali national. The protest comes amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, as the Indian government moves forward with a series of diplomatic and strategic actions in response to the deadly assault.
Visuals from the scene showed a large crowd waving flags and raising slogans outside the Pakistani mission. Security forces were seen deployed in full strength, attempting to manage and disperse the demonstrators peacefully. Emotions ran high as citizens called for justice and stricter action against Pakistan, which India holds responsible for supporting cross-border terrorism.
The public outcry follows New Delhi’s decision to implement several retaliatory measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the expulsion of senior Pakistani diplomatic officials, and a reduction in the strength of high commissions in both countries. In a digital crackdown, India also withheld access to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Government of Pakistan, escalating the diplomatic standoff.
Speaking to NDTV, one protester said, “When it comes to national security, political parties should abandon ideology and unite for the country. It is good to see that everyone is standing together. Whatever decisions the government has taken so far are encouraging.”
The strong reaction comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to finalize India’s response to the April 23 terror attack in Pahalgam, one of the deadliest in recent years. The attack, linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits, targeted a group of tourists and has reignited calls for a tough and unified national stance.
In the CCS meeting, it was also decided that both India and Pakistan will reduce their respective diplomatic staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, a significant move toward downgrading diplomatic ties. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who announced the decisions, emphasized that India remains committed to holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring such attacks do not go unanswered.
