A Bradford-based race equality charity has issued a heartfelt plea for unity and calm as tensions between India and Pakistan soar following deadly military strikes.
The Race Equality Network (REN) condemned the violence on both sides and called for a de-escalation of hostilities after India confirmed it had launched missile and air strikes on multiple sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, were described by India as targeting “militant positions” based on “credible intelligence.”
The 25-minute assault, which began shortly after 1am local time, shook the region awake with thunderous explosions. Indian authorities said nine sites were hit, while Pakistan reported six, claiming to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone—claims not confirmed by India.
The fallout has been deadly. According to news wires, Pakistan has reported 26 fatalities and 46 injuries due to the strikes and shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border separating the two nations. In retaliation, India said 10 civilians were killed on its side by Pakistani shelling.
The military escalation follows a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April, in which 26 tourists were killed. India has accused Pakistan-based militants and “external actors” of orchestrating the attack, allegations that Pakistan strongly denies, stating India has not provided evidence.
Amid the rising tension, REN said the conflict risks inflaming divisions within diaspora communities in the UK. “When terrorists and war seek to divide us, our response must be to come together in our shared humanity,” said REN CEO Humma Nizami. “REN’s role is to safeguard the dignity of all people caught in their wake, which for me and the REN board is the priority right now. We should use this opportunity to mitigate any possible tensions this conflict imposes on diaspora communities here in Bradford and beyond, by sharing a united front.”
REN is working with Bradford Council, faith leaders and grassroots organisations to provide support and address any local concerns. The charity urged individuals or communities feeling the impact of the conflict to reach out via info@raceequalitynetwork.org.uk.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed calls for calm, warning that further escalation could be catastrophic. “Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a
serious concern. The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” he said.
Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, while stressing the need to “urgently restore regional stability” and prioritise the protection of civilians. “The safety of British nationals in the region will always be our priority,” he added, urging anyone in affected areas to follow Foreign Office travel advice and local guidance.
The Race Equality Network’s intervention reflects growing concern among British South Asian communities, particularly in cities like Bradford, where close family and cultural ties to the region make the conflict deeply personal.
