The Hague, May 1, 2025: Over 250 people gathered outside the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague today to honour the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 Hindus lost their lives. The attack has shocked the global community, prompting demonstrators to demand justice and call for international action against Pakistani state-sponsored terrorism.
Organized by GHRD (Global Human Rights Defence) and mobilized by Het Licht Nederland, the peaceful protest drew participants from across the Netherlands. The event began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp, a traditional Hindu symbol of remembrance and peace, followed by a minute of silence and the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, invoking harmony and healing for the departed souls.
The Hague, a city known as the international capital of peace and justice, provided a poignant backdrop for the emotionally charged event. Protesters called on the Pakistani government to be held accountable for supporting extremist groups destabilizing regional peace. The march began with deep sorrow and proceeded to the Pakistani Embassy, with participants carrying placards bearing the names of the victims and signs urging the Dutch government and international community to take a stronger stance against Pakistan-supported terrorism. At the embassy, the crowd chanted slogans such as “Netherlands, stand up against terrorism – also in India!” “Pakistan Stop funding terror” and “We stand with Kashmir’s victims,” as emotions ran high.
“This was more than a protest – it was a collective call from humanity,” said one demonstrator. “We are here to demand justice and affirm that peace must prevail.”
The Pahalgam massacre, which took place on April 22, 2025, has reignited concerns over religiously motivated violence in the region. Once a peaceful destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, Pahalgam has now become a symbol of the devastating consequences of extremism.
GHRD played a central role in organizing the event, ensuring its smooth execution and a clear, unified message. Meanwhile, Het Licht Nederland mobilized support through through their deep community network and social media, gathering participants from across the country. The organization emphasized that while the protest was peaceful, its message was urgent.
“Silence is complicity,” said one organizer. “ Our demonstration is a wake-up call to the world. We cannot allow terrorism to be normalized, nor can we ignore the suffering of innocent people tar geted because of their faith.”
As candles flickered and chants filled the spring air, the demonstration stood as both a memorial and a powerful message: that justice must be pursued and peace must be defended. The unified voice of the community underscored a shared truth – that those who stand for humanity must never be silent in the face of terror.
