A video of a man carrying cake to the Pakistan High Commission has gone viral on the internet. While details of the incident are awaited, the timing raises questions as it comes just a couple of days after a horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley, killing 28 and injuring 20. In the video doing rounds on social media platforms, the man carrying the cake box can be seen gheraoed by journalists asking him what the cake was for. The man didn't reply to the questions.
Pahalgam attack: Protests at Pakistan High Commission
Earlier this week, a group of more than 500 people staged a protest near the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi against the Pahalgam terror attack. The protestors held placards and raised slogans against Pakistan. According to news agency PTI, they called for strong action against the neighboring country, accusing it of backing terrorist activities in India.
"Earlier, the government carried out a surgical strike. We demand similar action again to eradicate terrorism. This was a shameful attack on innocent tourists," a member of the Anti-Terror Action Forum told PTI.
Poll
Do you believe protests at the Pakistan High Commission are an effective way to address terrorism concerns?
Pahalgam attack: Strengths of High Commissions to Pakistan to be reduced
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Wednesday (April 23). At a media briefing, the CCS announced that India will withdraw its defence, navy, and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. “These positions in both High Commissions stand annulled,” the government said, adding that five support staff members will also be recalled.
The overall staff strength at the High Commissions will be reduced from the current 55 to 30 by next month. The CCS has also given a detailed briefing on Tuesday’s terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.
Other stringent actions taken by the Indian government against Pakistan included suspension of Indus Water treaty; revoking permits of Pakistan nationals to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES) and those currently in the country under SVES visa to leave India within 48 hours. The government has also suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. Home Minister Amit Shah has also asked state chief ministers to deport Pakistanis in their states as soon as possible.