British Member of Parliament Bob Blackman has strongly backed India’s right to take any action it considers necessary after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He even said India could use military force across the Line of Control (LoC) if needed. While speaking at a remembrance ceremony at India House in London, Blackman emphasized that terrorism must not go unpunished.

Blackman Expresses Grief and Solidarity

He joined members of the Indian diaspora in mourning the victims. “We come to share the grief. When terror strikes, it strikes the hearts of humanity... This act (the terrorist attack) demonstrates the hatred towards people because of their religion, and this cannot be tolerated,” he said.  Blackman said he had already raised the issue in the UK Parliament. He called on the British government to publicly support India. “I requested a government statement to support India and any actions it finds appropriate,” he stated.

Attack Could Raise Regional Tensions

The Conservative MP warned that the Pahalgam attack might increase tensions in the region. He expressed deep sympathy, saying, “I offer my condolences to the victims, to their families and all Hindus... We are so sorry about it.”

Recalling a Peaceful Kashmir Visit

Blackman also remembered his visit to Kashmir nine years ago. He described its beauty and calm environment. He condemned the attackers for trying to destroy that peace. “I would strongly support whatever India does to pursue the terrorists and those who have backed the terrorists... If they can't be brought to justice, they must be eliminated,” he declared. He also hoped for full support from all political parties in the UK.

Indian High Commission Hosts Memorial Event in London

The Indian High Commission organized a remembrance gathering at India House. The event honored those who died in the April 22 attack. People from the Indian community, Indian leaders, and British MPs attended the event to show support.

UK Minister Joins Condemnation

Catherine West, Labour MP and Minister for the Indo-Pacific, also addressed the event. She called the attack “horrific” and assured India of the UK's complete support. “I wanted to express condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam... The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the face of the cowardly attacks of terrorism against innocent civilians,” West said. She added, “We must pull together in dangerous times like this... We are with you.”

Indian Ministers and UK MPs Stand United

Union Minister L Murugan and Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat attended the memorial. Several UK MPs and officials stood alongside them. They expressed solidarity and offered their condolences to the families affected.

High Commissioner Describes Terror Motive

India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, condemned the brutal killings. He explained that the terrorists wanted to disrupt normal life and stop development in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “This is the largest killing of civilians since the Mumbai terror attacks... People were pulled out, identified based on their religious identity, and shot dead.” Doraiswami said this was a clear attempt to create fear and halt progress in the region.

Innocent Tourists Were the Target

Doraiswami mentioned that the victims were regular people, including a newly married couple and a child. He said, “These were lives of people like you and I... It was these people for whom that very simple, basic opportunity to live was taken away.” He stressed that these acts aim to harm India’s growth. However, he assured that terrorists will not succeed.

India Promises Strong Response

Doraiswami repeated India’s commitment to justice. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warning. “We will never forget, we will never forgive, and we will exact a punishment... There will be a price to be paid by the people who committed this act,” he said. He emphasized that India will stay united and continue its journey of development.

What Happened in Pahalgam?

On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The gunmen killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali tourist. Several others were seriously injured. This was the deadliest civilian attack in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, where a suicide attacker killed 40 CRPF personnel.

India Blames Pakistan for the Attack

India has held Pakistan responsible for supporting cross-border terrorism. Officials believe that the terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam attack came from across the LoC. As a result, India has increased pressure on Pakistan diplomatically.

• Tourism Targeted: The attack aimed to stop the growing tourism in Kashmir. Over 2 million tourists visited the region in 2023.

• International Concern: The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to terrorism in South Asia.

• India’s Firm Policy: Under PM Modi, India has responded strongly to attacks. After Pulwama in 2019, India conducted airstrikes on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.