AGENCY
London: British MPs on Thursday held a debate on Kashmir in the UK Parliament, warning against “escalation” of violence in the region.
The motion before the House of Commons urges the UK government to encourage India and Pakistan to commence peace negotiations to establish a long-term solution to the dispute.
“It is not Britain’s role to intervene in the internal politics of any sovereign nation. But we stand ready to help facilitate and alleviate the suffering of the innocent people of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir,” said Conservative party MP Bob Blackman, who has long campaigned for the rights of Kashmiri Pandits forced to flee the region.
“Today marks the terrible day back in 1990 when Kashmiri Hindus were forced from their homes. I have been speaking on this issue for 27 years. The whole of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and both India and Pakistan must abide by the UN resolution,” said Blackman, who was among the MPs speaking in the debate.
The group called for “justice” for the nearly 7,00,000 Kashmiri Pandits forced to flee their homes in the Kashmir Valley 1989 and 1990.
