Sri Lankans Protest against J&K Attack outside Pak High Commission
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has sent shockwaves across the globe, and Sri Lanka is no exception. In a bold display of solidarity with the victims and their families, an estimated 200-300 Sri Lankans staged a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo on Wednesday.
The protesters, who were primarily comprised of Sri Lankan citizens, gathered at the high commission to express their outrage and condemnation of the dastardly attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 people, including a Nepali national. The demonstration was marked by a sense of unity and determination, as the protesters chanted slogans and held banners that read “stop state-sponsored terrorism” and “we don’t need Pakistan”.
The Pahalgam terror attack was a heinous act of violence that has left the people of Sri Lanka, and indeed the world, in a state of shock and grief. The incident has also raised concerns about the security implications for the region and the need for collective action to combat terrorism.
The protesters, who were mostly young professionals and students, were united in their condemnation of the attack and their demand for an end to state-sponsored terrorism. Many of them wore black attire and carried candles to pay tribute to the victims of the attack.
“We are here today to show our solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to condemn the senseless violence that has claimed so many innocent lives,” said a protester, who wished to remain anonymous. “We demand that the government of Pakistan take immediate action to curb the activities of terrorist groups operating on its soil and to ensure that such attacks do not happen again.”
The protest was organized by a group of Sri Lankan citizens who were deeply disturbed by the Pahalgam attack and wanted to express their outrage and condemnation in a peaceful and democratic manner. The protesters were supported by a number of civil society organizations and human rights groups, who also condemned the attack and called for an end to state-sponsored terrorism.
The protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo was a significant event that highlighted the strong sense of outrage and solidarity that exists among Sri Lankans against terrorism. It also sent a clear message to the government of Pakistan that the people of Sri Lanka will not tolerate such attacks and will continue to demand action to combat terrorism.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has faced its own share of terrorist attacks, including the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 that targeted churches and hotels, killing over 250 people and injuring many more. The country has also suffered from a long and bloody civil war that ended in 2009, and the scars of that conflict are still visible today.
However, despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has made significant progress in rebuilding and healing, and the country is now a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of terrorism. The protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo was a testament to this spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a desire for peace and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo was a powerful expression of solidarity and outrage against the Pahalgam terror attack. It highlights the strong sense of unity and determination that exists among Sri Lankans against terrorism and their desire for an end to state-sponsored violence. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of terrorism, Sri Lanka’s protest serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action and the need for governments to work together to combat this menace.
