Fears of Unrest in UK as India-Pakistan Tensions Spark London Embassy Protest

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Fears of Unrest in UK as India-Pakistan Tensions Spark London Embassy Protest

 

Protestors have gathered outside the Indian Embassy in London following India’s missile strikes on Pakistan, igniting fears of unrest among the UK's South Asian communities as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continue to escalate. The missile attack, launched by India on Tuesday evening, reportedly targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. At least 26 people, including a child, are said to have died in the strikes, which New Delhi claims were retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam last month that killed 26 people. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the incident.

 

The sharp uptick in hostilities has sent shockwaves around the globe and triggered immediate demonstrations in the UK. Pro-Pakistan protests were held outside the Indian High Commission in Aldwych, London, near King’s College, on Wednesday evening. These events have prompted British lawmakers and religious leaders to call for restraint, urging members of both the Indian and Pakistani diasporas to avoid confrontation and uphold community cohesion.

The UK already had to deal with weekly pro-Palestine protests, now they will also have pro-Pakistan protests.

pic.twitter.com/YHWHRTPl0x

— Dr. Maalouf ‏ (@realMaalouf) May 7, 2025

 

Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and himself of Pakistani-Kashmiri heritage, voiced concern about the emotional toll the conflict is taking on communities in Britain. “Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high,” he said. “British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community.”

 

Shockat Adam, independent MP for Leicester South, echoed the concerns and warned that the conflict could spill over into tensions on UK streets. “The situation in the region is alarming and there is a genuine fear that tensions from the region could spill into the streets here in Leicester,” he said. “A great deal of work has been done by faith and community groups to address the issues that ignited previous troubles. The onus is on everyone to act responsibly and not take to the streets. I have reached out to the police, faith groups and community organisations to promote peace and unity in our vibrant communities, so we can work collaboratively to ensure we do not see any repeat of the troubles in 2022.”

 

Community leaders have joined political figures in calling for calm. Anil Bhanot, managing trustee of the Hindu Council UK, acknowledged the historic sensitivity of such flare-ups. “There are always some concerns when something happens in the subcontinent between Pakistan and India. But I hope the tensions remain in that region and don’t spill over here. We want calm in this country, we don’t want it to flare up again like it did in Leicester,” he said.

 

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) also weighed in, acknowledging the emotional strain on diaspora communities. A spokesperson noted that the group had observed “heightened emotions” among British Indian and Pakistani communities in recent days. Maswood Ahmed, deputy secretary general of the MCB, called for unity and cooperation with local authorities. “Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect. The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony,” he said.

 

The London protest is the latest flashpoint in what many fear could become a prolonged and volatile chapter in India-Pakistan relations. Last month, police began investigating a demonstration outside the Pakistani High Commission in London after allegations emerged that a Pakistani diplomat had made a throat-slitting gesture during the protest. As diplomatic tensions escalate abroad, efforts within the UK are focused on preventing similar fractures within British society.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-05-09

 

 

[impulse]

Wow.  If the war starts between Pakistan and India, it looks like it'll also be fought on the streets of London.  With London natives getting caught in the crossfire.

 

But diversity is our strength!