UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India
“Will the government (UK) commit to support the erosion and elimination of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?”
UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India
UK MP Bob Blackman strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and urged the UK government to support India in tracking down the perpetrators and eliminating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking in the UK Parliament, he described the attack as “well-organised and well-coordinated.”
Blackman stated, “The reality of this terrorist attack—despite the minister's words—is that the 26 men who were systematically murdered by being shot in the head were either Hindu or Christian. This was a deliberate Islamist attack on peaceful tourists.”
He highlighted the ongoing threat from terrorist bases across the Line of Control (LoC), in areas he referred to as “illegally occupied by Pakistan.”
Blackman questioned whether the UK government would now fully support India in apprehending the attackers and bringing their backers to justice, adding, “Will the government commit to support the erosion and elimination of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?”
The attack took place in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, a remote area accessible only by foot or horseback. All 26 victims were male tourists. Reports indicate that the attackers identified victims, forced some to remove their pants and recite the kalma—those who failed were executed.
India’s Countermeasures Against Pakistan Post-Attack
In a swift and decisive response, India took several strong diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan following the attack.
On April 23, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided to put the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible action against terrorism.
Indian authorities declared several Pakistani High Commission officials, including Defence and Service Advisors, persona non grata. India also withdrew its own counterparts from Islamabad. Both missions were ordered to reduce staff to 30 members by May 1.
The Integrated Check Post at Attari was ordered to shut down, with a grace period until May 1 for valid returnees.
India revoked the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. All existing visas under the scheme were cancelled, and holders were ordered to leave within 48 hours. Visa services for Pakistani nationals were also suspended immediately.
On April 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Madhubani in Bihar, issued a stern warning.
He said, “We will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers—pursuing them to the ends of the earth.”
He added that the terrorists and conspirators behind the Pahalgam attack would be punished “beyond their imagination.”
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