New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) More than 500 people staged a protest near the Pakistan High Commission here against the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Holding placards and raising slogans against Pakistan, the protesters demanded decisive action against the neighbouring country, accusing it of supporting terror activities in India.

The BJP, along with various social organisations like the Anti-Terror Action Forum, also participated in the protest.

The Delhi Police had put up barricades around 500 metres from the high commission, and the protesters were stopped there, an officer said.

“Earlier, the government carried out a surgical strike. We demand similar action again to eradicate terrorism. This was a shameful attack on innocent tourists,” a member of the Anti-Terror Action Forum told PTI Videos.

“We trust the government has already made a plan,” he added.

Another protester said the government must take strict action against Pakistan.

“We feel more surgical strikes are now required. This is such a shameful act by terrorists. Every single Indian is hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take strict action against terrorism,” said the protester.

The protesters also demanded that urgent steps be taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims headed to Jammu and Kashmir for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

“The registration process is already underway for the Amarnath pilgrims, and this attack has caused panic among them. Many devotees are cancelling their plans. Now, strict action is an immediate requirement,” another protester said.

As some of the protesters tried to climb over the barricades in a bid to march towards the high commission, they were stopped by police personnel and taken away.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police had beefed up security outside the high commission after several organisations called for a protest.

A police officer said they received information that a protest would be held at the Tri Murti Chowk near the Pakistan High Commission.

“Barricades were put up in the area and no one was allowed to disturb the law and order situation,” he said, adding that “necessary” traffic diversions were also made to ensure smooth traffic flow in the city.

“We have deployed traffic police personnel at various points around the site of the protest who are guiding commuters,” the officer added. PTI BM RHL