West Midlands stand united against Islamist terrorism in Kashmir

The British Indians, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jews, Muslims & other communities in West Midlands came together on 26th April at Centenary Square, Birmingham to condemn the dastardly and utmost inhumane act of terrorism in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India. They offered tribute to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22nd April.

The British Indians, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jews, Muslims & other communities in West Midlands came together on 26^th April at Centenary Square, Birmingham to condemn the dastardly and utmost inhumane act of terrorism in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India. They offered tribute to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22^nd April.

The peaceful gathering was deeply emotional, filled with compassion and concern for the victims, while also carrying a strong sense of anger toward the perpetrators and the devastating impact of terrorism. The large turnout of over 350 people, including women, children, and the elderly, was an indicator of the magnitude of frustration, bordering on rage, within the society against terrorism. Insight UK volunteered in organising the tribute event and over 28 organisations and Mandirs (Temples) supported it.

The event started with the set-up of the stage for tribute and offering flowers, and a minute of silence to mourn for the victims and pray for their families. The members chanted the Shlokas (verses) for global peace, sang kirtans (prayer songs), showed placards and raised slogans saying: WE STAND STRONGER, UNITED AGAINST THE TERROR,IT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED ANYMORE, and HINDU LIVES MATTER! All were displayed in a peaceful manner.

It followed interactions with local people and the community to spread awareness about the incident. Many people from different backgrounds — British, European, Afghan, and others — stopped, enquired, and showed great support. They shared their pain against this horrific Islamist terror attack on innocent civilians based on their identity.

The following joint statement was read at the event, followed by closing remarks.

Justice for the Victims of TERROR in INDIA

• We British Indian / Hindu community, express our deepest sorrow and condolences to the families of those who perished in the horrific terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, India, on 22nd April 2025. 
• We unequivocally condemn this brutal act of Islamist terrorism, which specifically targeted innocent Hindus and Christians based on their identity. 
• Such violence has no place in any society and stands in direct opposition to the principles of peace, dignity and humanity that bind us all. 
• In this time of mourning, our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones, to those who are injured, and to the communities shattered by this senseless act of terror. 
• We urge the international community and the UK government to unite in unequivocally condemning this atrocity and to take firm, decisive action against terrorism in all its forms. This includes prohibiting extremist Kashmiri separatist movements in the UK, such as the JKLF, which has already been banned in India.
• Let this declaration serve as both a tribute to the victims and a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to stand against terrorism, to defend peace, and to uphold the values of humanity and compassion that unite us all. 
• We stand against terror. We stand with the victims. We stand with India.

It was indeed commendable how the whole British Indian and Hindu Samaj (community) and all supporting communities unequivocally stood together with solidarity and paid tribute to the victims of terrorism in Pahalgam. They came in as individuals and or representatives of various community organisations, and Mandirs (temples) below.

Below is the list of all those joining in the release of this statement.