Sri Lankans Protest Against J&K Attack Outside Pak High Commission
In a dramatic display of solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, an estimated 200-300 Sri Lankans staged a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo on Wednesday. The protest was a powerful statement against state-sponsored terrorism and a strong condemnation of the brutal attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 people, including a Nepali national.
The protesters, who were mostly young people, gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission, holding banners that read “stop state sponsored terrorism” and “we don’t need Pakistan”. The demonstration was a rare display of public dissent in Sri Lanka, where protests against Pakistan are not common. However, the outrage and anger felt by the Sri Lankan people over the Pahalgam attack was palpable, and it was reflected in the strong turnout and passionate slogans raised by the protesters.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which occurred on August 8, was a devastating blow to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have already suffered years of violence and unrest. The attack was carried out by terrorists who took advantage of the peaceful atmosphere of the tourist town, targeting innocent civilians, including women and children. The brutality of the attack has shocked people all over the world, and the Sri Lankan protesters were no exception.
The protesters in Colombo were largely young people, who felt a strong sense of outrage and injustice over the attack. Many of them had never experienced terrorism firsthand, but the news of the Pahalgam attack had shaken them to the core. They felt that the attack was a stark reminder of the dangers of terrorism and the importance of standing together against it.
The protest was also a strong statement against Pakistan, which has been accused of supporting terrorist groups in the region. The protesters felt that Pakistan’s support for terrorism was a major factor in the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, and they demanded that the country stop sponsoring terrorism and work towards a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
The Sri Lankan government was quick to condemn the Pahalgam attack, and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena issued a statement expressing his deep condolences to the families of the victims. The government also promised to work with the international community to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The protest outside the Pakistan High Commission was a significant event in Sri Lanka, and it marked a new era of activism and awareness about terrorism in the country. It also highlighted the strong bond between the people of Sri Lanka and Jammu and Kashmir, and their shared commitment to fighting against terrorism and promoting peace and stability in the region.
In a statement, the Free Press Journal, which reported the protest, said that the event was a powerful reminder of the need for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The newspaper also noted that the protest was a testament to the strong sense of solidarity and compassion that exists among the people of Sri Lanka and Jammu and Kashmir.
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo serves as a powerful reminder of the need for unity and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. It is a message that resonates with people all over the world, and it is a call to action that demands a response from governments, civil society, and individuals alike.
