International

IIE DIGITAL DESK :   London has stirred intense reactions across political and security circles in India after a video surfaced showing a Pakistani diplomat allegedly making a throat-slitting gesture during a protest outside the Indian High Commission. Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid strongly condemned the gesture, calling it a display of a "madrassachhap mindset," suggesting it reflects a regressive and radical approach unbecoming of diplomatic conduct.

The controversial act reportedly occurred during a pro-Kashmir protest organized by Pakistani officials and activists in London. While such demonstrations have become routine during key Indian national days or political events, the tone of this particular protest crossed a line when one of the diplomats was caught on camera making a gesture that mimics the act of slitting a throat—widely perceived as a symbol of violent intent or a direct threat. The video has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Indian officials, former law enforcement officers, and citizens alike.

Shesh Paul Vaid, a retired top cop known for his strong stance on national security, took to social media to voice his disapproval. In a pointed statement, he remarked that this kind of behavior reflects a "madrassachhap mindset"—a term often used to criticize radical or fundamentalist ideologies associated with certain extremist groups. According to Vaid, the gesture not only violates diplomatic norms but also sends a dangerous message, especially when it comes from someone expected to uphold peaceful dialogue and international decorum.

He added that such acts expose the real face of those who claim to be victims on the global stage but engage in threatening displays when they think the world isn’t watching closely. Vaid emphasized that this is not just a symbolic act but one that has serious implications for international relations, particularly between India and Pakistan, which have historically shared tense diplomatic ties over the Kashmir issue.

The Indian government has reportedly taken serious note of the matter and is considering raising it formally with the UK authorities. According to sources, Indian officials may demand that the British government take action against the diplomat in question, including the possibility of declaring the individual persona non grata. The Ministry of External Affairs is also reviewing video footage and may include it in its communication with the British Foreign Office.

Diplomatic experts and former ambassadors have weighed in on the controversy, stating that if verified, such a gesture breaches the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which outlines expected conduct for foreign diplomats. The act, they argue, is not only unbecoming of a diplomat but borders on incitement and public intimidation. For a diplomat to be involved in such behavior in a foreign land where they are guests adds to the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has neither confirmed nor denied the identity of the person in the video, nor has it offered an official comment. Some Pakistani activists on social media have tried to downplay the incident, claiming that the video is being exaggerated or taken out of context. However, that explanation has done little to ease the anger in Indian public discourse, where the footage has already sparked heated debate.

The larger concern raised by Vaid and others is about the ideological indoctrination of individuals who are supposed to be flagbearers of diplomacy. If representatives of a nation resort to gestures of intimidation rather than words of dialogue, it sets a dangerous precedent for international engagement. As the story continues to develop, all eyes are on how the UK government responds and whether it takes diplomatic norms seriously enough to act decisively.