Summary
- British parliamentarians have called on the United Kingdom to play an active role in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
- Members of Parliament Hilary Benn, Fabian Hamilton, Richard Burgon, Nadia Whittome and Iqbal Mohamed expressed their concerns over the situation in the disputed region while addressing an international conference on Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
- British MP Fabian Hamilton also urged the international community and the United Nations to take notice of the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and support efforts to resolve the broader Kashmir dispute.
British parliamentarians have called on the United Kingdom to play an active role in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Members of Parliament Hilary Benn, Fabian Hamilton, Richard Burgon, Nadia Whittome and Iqbal Mohamed expressed their concerns over the situation in the disputed region while addressing an international conference on Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The event was organised by the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP).
During the conference, the parliamentarians stressed the need for international attention to the Kashmir issue and urged the UK government to contribute towards a peaceful resolution that reflects the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
British MP Richard Burgon highlighted concerns over reported internet disruptions and security measures in the region, saying the situation had caused anxiety among his constituents who were struggling to maintain contact with their loved ones in Kashmir.
He pointed to the difficulties faced by families separated by geographical boundaries and communication restrictions, emphasising that the situation had become a source of concern for people in the United Kingdom with relatives in the region.
MP Iqbal Mohamed expressed similar concerns, describing the circumstances as deeply troubling. He said developments in Kashmir had created considerable worry among his constituents, particularly those concerned about the safety and well-being of family members.
The parliamentarians’ remarks highlighted the continuing international debate over human rights, political freedoms and the future of Jammu and Kashmir. They also renewed calls for the United Kingdom and other international stakeholders to pay greater attention to the concerns raised by people from the region.
Speaking at the conference, UKPNP Chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri defended the demands raised by the Joint Action Awami Committee, describing them as legitimate and insisting that the group was not involved in anti-state activities.
Kashmiri said the committee had been protesting to secure people’s rights and that the response by authorities had raised serious concerns. He alleged that hundreds of people had been arrested, individuals had been implicated in fabricated cases and residents had faced restrictions affecting access to essential commodities.
He called for the concerns of the local population to be addressed through dialogue and respect for democratic rights rather than through force or punitive measures.
British MP Fabian Hamilton also urged the international community and the United Nations to take notice of the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and support efforts to resolve the broader Kashmir dispute.
Questioning what he described as differing levels of international attention to conflicts around the world, Hamilton referred to Palestine, Yemen and Myanmar and asked why the situation in Kashmir was not receiving comparable concern.
He argued that people in Azad Kashmir should be able to raise their concerns and exercise democratic freedoms without facing suppression. He described it as unacceptable that individuals demanding rights and freedom of expression could face restrictions for voicing their views.
The conference brought together political representatives and participants to discuss the Kashmir dispute, the rights of local communities and the role of international institutions in addressing the issue.
The British MPs’ statements renewed calls for diplomatic engagement and international attention, with participants emphasising that a lasting settlement should be pursued through peaceful means, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Raja Sarfraz, Sardar Tariq Khan and others also addressed the gathering on the occasion.
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