TENSIONS between India and Pakistan spilled over to the UK following the attack in Pahalgam, with heated confrontations between diaspora communities and a diplomatic incident involving the Pakistan High Commission in London.
An Indian man, Ankit Love, 41, was arrested last Sunday (27) for allegedly smashing windows at the Pakistan High Commission in London.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed he was charged with criminal damage after officers were called to reports of vandalism at the diplomatic mission in Lowndes Square, Kensington and Chelsea. Love, described as having “no fixed address,” was remanded in custody and appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court on Monday (28).
The incident followed a series of confrontations between Indian and Pakistani diaspora groups in London.
Last Friday (25), Indian community organisations held a demonstration outside the Pakistan High Commission to protest what they described as Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. There were Pakistani counter-demonstrators who used loudspeakers to drown out the Indian protesters’ slogans and chants.
A Pakistani diplomat was caught on camera making a threatening throatslitting gesture towards the Indian protesters from the balcony of the High Commission building.
The tensions continued last weekend when many Indian diaspora representatives gathered at the High Commission of India in London last Sunday (27) evening to counter what was described as a smaller Pakistani demonstration. The Metropolitan Police maintained a significant presence to ensure both groups were kept apart. Later that evening, British Indian groups held a candlelight vigil at Piccadilly Circus to commemorate the victims of the 22 April terror attack.
Similar “All Eyes on Pahalgam” protests and vigils were organised by Indian diaspora groups, including in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)