In a powerful show of solidarity, UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman has expressed unequivocal support for India in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a commemorative ceremony held at the India House in London, Blackman said he “strongly supports whatever India does to pursue the terrorists and those who supported them,” including military action if necessary.
The April 22 attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 people—25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen—in one of the deadliest incidents in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Many more were injured in what has been widely condemned as a targeted and religiously motivated act of terror.
Blackman offered heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and the broader Hindu community, saying, “When terror strikes, it strikes the hearts of humanity… This demonstrates hatred towards people because of their religion, and this cannot be tolerated.” He recalled raising the issue in the UK Parliament and emphasized that India has every right to respond with decisive measures.
“I would strongly support whatever India does to pursue the terrorists and those who have backed the terrorists, make sure they are brought to justice. If they can’t be brought to justice, they must be eliminated,” he said. “I expect all political parties in the UK to stand by India, including if India takes military action to eliminate those terrorist bases across the Line of Control.”
Catherine West, Labour MP and UK Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific, also spoke at the event, calling the Pahalgam attack a “horrific act of terrorism.” She reiterated the UK’s support for India and emphasized the role of the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” between the two nations. “The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the face of cowardly terrorist attacks against innocent civilians,” she said.
The solemn gathering at India House brought together dignitaries, MPs, and members of the Indian diaspora from across the UK. India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, delivered a stirring address, emphasizing the human cost of the attack and the need for unity and justice.
“This was the largest killing of civilians since the Mumbai terror attacks,” Doraiswami said. “People were pulled out and identified based on their religion. The purpose was to create terror, disrupt normalcy, and undermine the ongoing peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He described the victims as ordinary people—including a newlywed couple and a child—who were simply enjoying a holiday. “These lives were taken not because of anything they did, but because of who they were,” he said. “We will never forget. We will never forgive. And there will be a price paid by those who committed, planned, and supported this heinous act.”
Doraiswami emphasized that the attack was an attempt to derail the region’s path to normalcy, tourism, and economic growth. “These were people like you and me—seeking to spend time with loved ones, enjoy life, and make memories. And that chance was stolen from them.”
He also echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong stance, vowing that India will respond appropriately. “There will be no forgiveness, no compromises. Nothing in the world will stop us from seeking justice or from continuing our national journey forward.”
The ceremony served not only as a moment of mourning but also as a reaffirmation of international support for India’s fight against terrorism. The presence of UK political leaders across party lines highlighted the growing global consensus on holding perpetrators of terrorism accountable and ensuring justice for the victims of Pahalgam.