Leeds student societies respond to India-Pakistan conflict

Both Leeds Indian Student Association (ISA) and Pakistani Society (PakSoc) posted Instagram stories in response to the launch of Operation Sindoor. 

The Indian defence ministry has launched strikes on areas in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir following an attack in Pahalgam which left 25 Indians and one Nepali national dead.

According to the BBC, the Indian defency ministry explained this as part of a “committment to hold “accountable” those responsible for the 22 April attack.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has denied any involvement in that attack and has described India’s strikes as “unprovoked”, adding that the “heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished”.

In response to the recent events, Leeds ISA posted a story about this attack captioned, “Justice is Served. Jai Hind”.

Leeds PakSoc posted a screenshot of ISA’s story with the caption: “Killing civilians, women & children is justice now?

“Chaudhry said at least 26 civilians, including women and children had been killed and at least 46 people were injured.

“He claimed mosques and residential areas were targeted, killing and injuring civilians.

“[D]o better, the world really doesn’t need more hate”.

The Leeds Tab reached out to both societies for comment.

PakSoc expressed their “condolences to anyone impacted by the tragic events that are taking place in India and Pakistan”.

PakSoc explained reaching out to ISA about the post but “were removed from their Instagram instead”.

“We still wish them all the best however, we do hope that they are able to learn from this experience,” PakSoc added.

Most Read

Police release statement after influencer Emilie Kiser’s son tragically drowns in pool

Bonnie Blue has been ‘arrested’ as her sister posts statement and dramatic footage

Is Klarna really going bankrupt and shutting down? This is what’s actually happening

“We think it’s important to spread peace during these tough times and there should not be any tolerance for hate towards anyone.”

The Leeds Tab reached out to ISA for comment but have not yet received a response.

The full statement from PakSoc can be found below:

“First off we want to send our condolences to anyone that is impacted by the tragic events that are taking place in India and Pakistan. We as a society that represents Pakistani’s at Leeds University want peace for all parties involved.

“We were deeply saddened upon seeing that through the political differences, ISA had decided to post about the matter regarding the missile strikes in Pakistan. Many innocent civilian lives were lost and none of these attacks should be celebrated.

“The post is insensitive to the many students and people suffering from these attacks and did not take into account how their post online may make someone else feel. We reached out to them about the post and unfortunately were removed from their Instagram instead.

“We still wish them all the best however, we do hope that they are able to learn from this experience. We think it’s important to spread peace during these tough times and there should not be any tolerance for hate towards anyone.

“All in all we hope that everyone is able to educate themselves on the matter and if anyone requires support during these times we hope that they reach out to us so we can provide them with the adequate support, wether through us or the university.”