As India and Pakistan seem to be getting closer to war, people around the world hold their breath.

For the diaspora community in the region with its family, especially on the border between Kashmir and the two countries, there has been a lot of fear and anxiety in recent days.

A U.S.-mediated ceasefire on Saturday offered some probation, although the news was weakened by cross-border shelling and explosions that India manages Kashmir hours after its announcement.

Although the lifespan of the ceasefire remains doubtful, the initial news provided some relief to members of the UK's South Asian community, who gathered in the Parliament Square in central London, calling for a downgrade.

"We cried a little bit, and it was absolutely joy. I'm from India and I'm very close to the border. It's always worried about what will happen."

"I haven't been sleeping for three nights. We've been checking our phones. Today is the longest time I've been in four days without checking my phone."

Nasreen Rehman, 74, also lifted the announcement. “Thankfully, we avoided something that could be disastrous, but have lost a lot of life.”

India suspended the crucial Indian waters treaty that governs the distribution and use of the Indus River between the two countries after 26 people were killed in an attack in a popular local tourist destination in Kashmir.

Lehman is concerned about the suspension of the long-term agreement. "At the end of the day, we are humans. We share history, we share the future. Now we have the threat of stopping water? What does that mean?"

Although the ceasefire lifted both countries off the brink of a total war, people still feared how powerful it was.

"How many ceasefires have we heard in the past year? In the context of Israel-Palestine, we have heard it too many times, and it doesn't make much sense," said Rajiv Sinah, 27.

“Despite a hypothetical ceasefire news, today our demonstration is called a few days ago, which is just as important because now we need to advocate for the direction forward.

Sinah added: "The Indian people, the people of Pakistan and the people of Kashmir just want peace and be able to live their own lives, but lose their lives, their livelihoods, their families, their families, their families, at the request of a government that does not represent the people."

Tarun Gidwani, 36, is equally worrying. "It's a huge relief, but even with a ceasefire, there's no downgrade. Tensions are still high and there's no real roadmap for stability, especially in Kashmir."

He described "really worried" before announcing the ceasefire.

"These are two nuclear powers that are conducting airborne operations in densely populated areas of the planet. When India returns home, there are simulation exercises in schools and offices. It's a tense atmosphere."

Shakuntala Banaji hopes the ceasefire will be held. “I think the national interest of India and Pakistan is to maintain this ceasefire,” she said.

She called on the government to “especially labor and the prime minister to stop political politics between Hindus and Muslims and between people from India and Pakistan, by favoring one country rather than the entire country”.

This week, the same day that the transaction deal described by Keir Starmer as a “landmark” was announced between the UK and India, the Home Office announced restrictions on Pakistani nationals who applied for a job or study visa.

Last year, Starmer, who was piqued off the Bangladesh community in a debate hosted by the Sun, said: “At present, people from countries like Bangladesh have not been removed from office.”

"When they don't support this kind of politics, they need to think very carefully about the bold pressure," Barnaji said.

She summed up the moods of many people who participated in the demonstrations, saying: "Our common humanity at the India-Pakistan border and Kashmir should outperform all other considerations of race and religion in the region. If we are to move forward, we will have to move forward."