The UK government on Tuesday urged calm among Indian and Pakistani communities in London amid fears that tensions following a deadly militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) could spill over into the diaspora.
Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer issued the appeal in the House of Commons after lawmakers expressed concern that the April 22 attack, which left 26 people dead in the Pahalgam region, could inflame diaspora relations in Britain.
"These issues have long been discussed with passion on British streets, and we call on all sides — all community leaders — to urge calm at a time of heightened regional tension," Falconer told Parliament.
The minister was responding to an urgent question on the UK’s stance following the attack, which has triggered a fresh wave of diplomatic hostility between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Lawmakers cited reports of protests turning hostile outside both Indian and Pakistani high commissions in London, raising fears of unrest within one of Britain’s largest diaspora populations.
The UK is home to millions of people with roots in South Asia, and officials are wary of overseas events spilling over into domestic tensions.
The Foreign Office has since updated its travel advisory, cautioning against all travel to IIOJK, with specific exceptions, citing security concerns in the aftermath of the violence.
Reaffirming the UK’s long-standing policy, Falconer said Britain believes that a resolution to the Kashmir issue must be found bilaterally between India and Pakistan, with respect for the views and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
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