Chicago, IL — In a striking show of unity and grief, hundreds of Indian Americans gathered outside the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago on April 28 to protest the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that killed 26 civilians.
Their message was urgent and uncompromising: Pakistan must be held accountable for enabling cross-border terrorism, and global leaders—especially in the U.S.—must stop turning a blind eye.
Key Facts:
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The protest was sparked by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.
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Over 800 Indian Americans from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin joined the protest on April 28 in Chicago.
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Protesters demanded Pakistan be labeled a state sponsor of terrorism and called for sanctions and U.S. legislative action.
The demonstration, organized by the US-India Community Foundation and backed by more than two dozen Indian American organizations, was rooted in a deep frustration that spans decades.
Community leaders pointed to Pakistan’s alleged harboring of terror groups that target Indian civilians, especially in the conflict-prone Kashmir Valley.
Protesters waved Indian flags, carried signs reading “Hindu Lives Matter” and “Stop Terror from Pakistan,” and chanted slogans demanding justice for the victims of the Pahalgam massacre.
Dr. Bharat Barai, a leading voice in the Indian American community and a longtime activist, addressed the gathering: “This is not the first attack, and sadly, it may not be the last. But we’re here to say—loudly and clearly—that Indian lives matter, and the world must stop normalizing terrorism in Kashmir.”
The protest also drew support from diverse faith groups—including Christian, Jewish, and Nepali American communities—signaling a broader call to confront extremist violence beyond national or religious lines.
Many attendees expressed frustration that Pakistan continues to receive U.S. aid despite its history of ties with militant organizations operating in the region.
This isn’t the first time Indian Americans have rallied in response to terror attacks in Kashmir. In 2019, following the deadly Pulwama bombing, similar protests erupted outside Pakistani diplomatic buildings across major U.S. cities. But this time, many said, the emotional toll felt heavier. “We’re done with silence,” said one protester. “We want sanctions, not sympathy.”
As pressure builds, organizers say this is just the beginning of a broader advocacy campaign targeting lawmakers, urging official recognition of Pakistan’s alleged role in enabling cross-border terrorism. Petitions, awareness drives, and legislative outreach are expected to follow.
Do You Know?
In 2019, after the Pulwama attack, Indian Americans in over 10 U.S. cities—including New York, Houston, and San Francisco—staged similar protests, calling on Congress to end military aid to Pakistan. (Source: Times of India)
Key Terms:
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Pahalgam Attack: A terrorist strike on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 civilians in Kashmir, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based militants.
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State Sponsor of Terrorism: A designation by the U.S. government for countries that repeatedly support acts of international terrorism.
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Pakistan Consulate: The official diplomatic office of Pakistan in Chicago, which became the focal point of the protest.
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US-India Community Foundation: A leading advocacy group representing Indian American interests in U.S. civic and foreign policy issues.