UK Urges Calm as Kashmir Attack Heightens Tensions Among Diaspora in London

The UK government has called for calm among the Indian and Pakistani communities in London following rising tensions linked to a deadly militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer addressed the House of Commons on Tuesday, warning that the April 22 attack in Pahalgam which left 26 people dead could ignite unrest among South Asian diaspora groups in Britain.

“These matters have long stirred strong emotions on our streets,” Falconer stated. “We urge all community leaders to promote peace during this sensitive period of regional tension.”

The minister's comments came in response to an urgent parliamentary question about the UK's position on the incident, which has triggered renewed diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan both nuclear-armed states.

Lawmakers noted rising tensions outside both the Indian and Pakistani high commissions in London, where protests have reportedly turned confrontational. With millions of Britons tracing their roots to South Asia, officials fear that overseas developments could escalate tensions locally.

In light of the situation, the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advisory, warning against all travel to IIOJK barring specific exceptions due to heightened security concerns.

Falconer reiterated the UK’s long-standing position that any resolution to the Kashmir dispute must be reached through bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan, with consideration for the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.