UK MP’s join forces with Kuwait Lawyers over IOJ&K
London, Islamabad: More than 15 British MPs, Human Rights Lawyers from Kuwait and Bahrain raise voice against grave Human Rights Violations in IOJ&K and call for Peaceful Solution of Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of Kashmiris.
British MPs assure President State Azad Jammu Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan to raise Kashmir Issue in British Parliament and support Kashmir’s Right to Self Determination, in International Kashmir Virtual Conference chaired by Fahim Kayani President Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK.
The confab was attended by President State Azad Jammu & Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan, British MPs and Councillors including: Rebecca Long Baily MP Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Chris Stephens MP, Mike Wood MP, Tracy Barbin MP, Kate Green MP Shadow Minister Work and Pensions , Paul Bristow MP, Shadow Minister Defense Khalid Mahmood MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, Former Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn MP, Mohammad Yasin MP, Lilian Green Wood MP, Sarah Owen MP, Rachel Hopkins MP, Afzal Khan MP Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons,
Lawyer and Director of the centre for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Mejbel ALshrika, Chairman Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement Altaf Ahmed Bhat, Mayor of Chesham cllr Qaser Chaudhry, Former Member of Bahrian Parliament Jamal Buhasan, Lawyer and Member of the Human Rights Committee of Kuwait Bar Association Dalal Al Ajmi, Chief Spokesperson JKLF Muhammad Rafiq Dar, Conference Chair & President TeK Fahim Kayani, Spokesperson World Sikh Parliament Ranjit Singh Srai,Shaukat Dar President Pakistan Press Club UK, Bailie Muhammad Hanif Raja President Tehreek-e- Kashmir Scotl, Ghazanfar Khan Vice Chair Conservative Friends of Kashmir, while Jack Dormey MP, Jim McMohan MP, and Tanmanjeet Singh Deshi MP sent their statements. And Cllr Tafheem Sharif Moderated the Conference.
Chief Guest President State Azad Jammu Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan thanked the participants who attended the conference from UK, Bahrain, Kuwait, IOK, and Islamabad Pakistan. He also appreciated President TeK Fahim Kayani’s efforts for organizing virtual gathering amid the COVID-19 outbreak for Kashmir cause. President AJK Sardar Masood Khan added that BJP led Indian Govts Warmongering will jeopardize the peace and stability of whole South Asia, while Indian forces are continuously violating Ceasefire across LOC, at the same time are using innocent Kashmiris as human Shield. Moreover, India is threatening Pakistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan at the same time.
“While in Indian Occupied Kashmir India is committing four major crimes: Genocide of Kashmiri innocent Muslims, War Crimes, Ethnic Cleansing, Religious / Racial Discrimination and Forced Demographics changes in violation of Geneva Convention and United Nations Resolutions, and International Humanitarian law.” President Masood added.
He further said that India is now following the settlement designs of Israel, and with the introduction of new Domicile Law Modi Government wants to settle non-Kashmiri masses in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, which is again a violation of International law and Resolutions.
President Masood said that we must now invest in Multilateral Diplomacy, while Media needs to play its decisive role, and Think Tanks, Academics to provide credible and acceptable research to create awareness at the global level. President State AJK Sardar Masood Khan further said that India taking advantage of COVID-19 is applying vicious plans while colonizing IOJ&K through the introduction of new Domicile law and giving Domicile status to Non-Kashmiri masses. These Punitive measures have filled Kashmiris with anger, and when this anger explodes, there will be a catastrophe of humanity.
Shadow Secretary of State for Education Rebecca Long Baily MP, during her address, said that Indian Land grab and new domicile rule to change the demography of the region is heinous while Kashmiris are under Lockdown within a Lockdown Human. The grave human rights violations Rape & Molestation of women are horrific crimes being reported in Kashmir. She asserted that the UK has to play a vital role via Diplomacy for a peaceful solution to Kashmir dispute as per UN resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiris.Rebecca Long Baily MP assured that we would do all we can for the Right of Self Determination of Kashmiris.
Chris Stephens MP said that I would like to appreciate and Thank the Tek team for this great event and to invite me. We have Kashmiri diaspora in Glasgow, and people of Glasgow show Solidarity and support for Kashmiris Right to self Determination as per UN resolutions.
During her address, Lilian Greenwood MP thanked President AJK Sardar Masood Khan for showing Solidarity with UK and said that hearing from President himself was helpful, as Kashmir’s situation worsened under the twin lockdown. We have Kashmiri diaspora here in the UK, who are concerned about their family and friends in Kashmir. She further said that the United Kingdom has a diplomatic role to play internationally for a peaceful and immediate solution to the issue of Kashmir as per UN resolutions. There is a need to raise these issues at the UN, and we will work together with colleagues and UK govt for a long-lasting peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.
Shadow Minister Work and Pensions Kate Green MP while showing deep concern over Double Lockdown in Indian occupied Kashmir said that, as told by the President AJK Sardar Masood Khan, Human Rights violations in Kashmir are a real concern for humanity, and we will play our role in facilitating and bringing about peace and stability in Kashmir.
Paul Bristow MP said that the Kashmir issue is alive, and there are cross-party debates in the Parliament. The Kashmiri diaspora here in the UK are concerned about the well-being of their family and friends in Kashmir, their voices are heard through their MPs, and we support the Right to Self Determination of Kashmiris as per their aspirations. Kashmir is not a Bilateral issue, and I will continue support for Kashmir’s cause and make sure the voice of Kashmiris is heard.
During his address, Mike Wood MP said that under the twin lockdown, the continuous persecution of Muslims is going on in Kashmir. After the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, the Lockdown has added to the miseries of Kashmiri Muslims, including Human Rights abuses. I believe the world has much to do so that the Muslims in Kashmir shall live in peace, safety, and security as per their aspirations.
Shadow Minister Digital, Culture, and Media and Support Tracy Barbin MP thanked for inviting and appreciated the recent updates from the President of State Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan as it is difficult to get hands-on information during the twin lockdown and communication blockade in Kashmir. She further said that the lockdowns caused billions of dollars’ loss to the Kashmir’s economy, and the International community must find a way out for Kashmir dispute as per UN resolutions and wishes of Kashmiri people.
Muhammad Yasin MP said that ever since Modi Government repealed Article 370 and 35a, Kashmiris have been cut off from the digital world, communication blockade, educational institutes closed, loss to the economy, and businesses. He further said that the Kashmir issue is an issue of Self-determination and realization of the disputed territory. International Community now realizes that IOJ&K will be a dangerous region if the issue is not resolved immediately. He asserted that the United Kingdom has an important role to play, and Kashmir issue must be debated and cross-party talks in Parliament for peace and normalcy in Kashmir, and resolution of this dispute as per the aspirations of Kashmiri people.
Sarah Owen MP, while addressing the confab said that there is cross-party support for Kashmir, while the main issue is lack of information on current situations because of the twin lockdown and communication blockade. We will not turn away from our obligation for Human Rights and Justice for Kashmiris. She also showed Solidarity and advocated for the Right to self-determination of Kashmir as per the wishes of Kashmiris.
Shadow Minister International development Yasmin Qureshi MP took severe note of Human Rights abuses in Kashmir and said that illegal domicile law was introduced to change the demographics of the region, which is a violation of International Law. She further said that the Right to self-determination is the basic Human Right of Kashmiris, and the International community needs to come forward to save Kashmiris. We must work together to make sure the grave human rights abuses in Kashmir are recognized, and practical steps are taken on an immediate basis to end the atrocities and persecutions of Kashmiris.
Rachel Hopkin MP said that while we have cross-party support on Kashmir issue, we need special envoy / third party for Talks. Kashmiri diaspora living in the UK, Europe, and all over the world must raise these issues so that the general masses will get awareness about what’s going on in Kashmir.
Shadow Minister Defense Khalid Mahmood MP said that Kashmir issue Is alive and vibrant internationally; because of the COVID-19, the pace was slow, but we have debate on the ongoing grave Human Rights violations, and horrendous crimes in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The demographic changes being carried out by the BJP led Government of India are violations of International Law and Geneva Convention. There are authentic reports of Rape, Molestations, Mass graves in different villages of Kashmir. It is high time. We must stand up for the Rights of Kashmiris as per their aspirations.
Former Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn thanked said that there are large groups of MPs, Councilors and many in our constituencies here in the UK who are concerned for the safety and security of their family and friends in Kashmir. They have reported us the events happening in Kashmir with clarity. Kashmiris have been suffering under the twin lockdown, and there is a dire need for better relations between Pakistan and India, no doubt improved relations and dialogue is essential for a peaceful solution to Kashmir dispute.
Afzal Khan MP, Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, said that Kashmir is facing twin lockdown, there is a humanitarian crisis in Kashmir. While human rights violations and forced demographic changes are in violations of International Law and UN resolutions, Kashmiris are being denied fundamental human rights. For peace and stability of the region and South Asia, a peaceful solution to Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of Kashmiris is essential.
Shadow Secretary Jim McMahon OBE MP said “Oldham is home to thousands of people with a Kashmiri heritage, many with family still living across the different regions straddling Indian and Pakistan.
I have supported the community for many years attending discussions, events and peaceful demonstrations to raise awareness of the human rights violations damaging the lives of millions of people. While we observe these abuses thousands of miles away, for my constituents it couldn’t be closer to home with family members directly affected.
“The human rights violations are well documented and the international community should do more, as should the UK government, to uphold the standards and protect people from harm. The UK government has shown a disregard for those affected.
“We all recognise that progress will not be made until Indian and Pakistan come together and show a willingness to cooperate to resolve issues of tension between the two nations.
“Our responsibility is both a moral one, that we call out human rights abuses where we see them, and an historic one, recognising that the current dispute is a legacy of the British rule.
“Because it is an issue which is important to so many of my constituents I will continue to contribute to the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, where we can work to build support across parliament to finally end the human rights abuses, and though it currently feels a distant ambition; to support self-determination by Kashmir people.”
Shadow Minister Jack Dromey MP said “I remain deeply concerned that the unilateral decision taken by the Indian Government to revoke Article 370 last year will take us ever further away from the peaceful, political settlement needed by the people of Kashmir.
I was also troubled to see reports last year of Kashmiri leaders being placed under house arrest, the banning of public gatherings and phone and internet coverage being cut.
I would like to see India and Pakistan work together, with the support of the international community, to determine a lasting and peaceful political solution which protects the human rights of the Kashmiri people and respects their democratic rights to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
I do not believe it is for the UK to prescribe a solution on Kashmir. Rather, it is for India and Pakistan to seek a lasting resolution that takes account of the wishes of the people of Kashmir – whose human rights and wellbeing are my overriding concern.
The human rights of the people of Kashmir include the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. I hope the UK Government will therefore ensure that freedom of speech and expression is something that it raises in its representations on Kashmir with India and Pakistan.
I also hope the UK Government will continue to encourage and support India and Pakistan to engage in constructive talks on a peaceful resolution on Kashmir – it is important that this tense and threatening situation is de-escalated.
It is clear to me that international action including through the United Nations is much needed, to end the cycle of violence and instability which generation after generation of Kashmiri children have grown up within over the last seven decades. The agony of the people of Kashmir must end.”
Shadow Minister Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP sent his audio message for the conference , he said
“This is tan Desi Member of Parliament for Slough and my sincere apologies are that I could not attend. Today’s International Kashmir virtual conference. I understand from my constituent in Slough. Mr. Azad role that his Excellency Sadar Masood Khan President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other eminent speakers will be in attendance and it is my misfortune that I would not be able to hear their views today.
But I hope that all of you have a Empty conference many of us
including me are extremely concerned about the double lock down
in Jammu Kashmir and about the human rights issues many of my
own constituents in Slough have contacted me to express their anxieties for their loved ones and family members in Jammu and Kashmir and I think that as the World battles against this covid crisis
that we continue to stand up for justice and provide support for victims.
And continue to speak up for human rights, and that is as important today as it has been in previous decades my best wishes to all of those
at the conference, and I look forward to hearing about the deliberations
from today’s conference. Thank you.”
Chairman Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement Altaf Ahmed Bhat appreciated Fahim Kayani & his team for organizing the confab. Bhat added that Under the Twin Lockdown since 5th August last year, brutal Indian forces and so-called administration started Mass killings in fake encounters, Abductions, destruction of property, forced demographic changes against the innocent, defenceless besieged Kashmiris. Because of Narendra Modi’s cruel and unilateral decisions, Kashmiri youth are being forced to carry guns. If Modi’s punitive and cruel measures are not stopped, there will be a human bloodbath in IOJ&K. Bhat added.
He said that Indian military and agencies are deliberately turning the indigenous Intifada freedom movement into Violence in order to divert global attention which we received from the international community after the abrogation of article 370 & 35A. Bhat asserted that only in the last two months, 45 educated youth had been killed & 100 houses have been destroyed in IOJ&K.
Bhat also appealed for urgent intervention of UN / P5 to stop Modi from inhumane torture of Kashmiris and start the process of the plebiscite as promised by the United Nations. While he also appealed, International Humanitarian Organizations and NGOs reach out and help besieged Kashmiris on an immediate basis.
Chief Spokesperson of JKLF Rafiq Dar said that, after repealing Article 370 and 35A, BJP led the Indian Government imposed world’s Longest Lockdown in Kashmir, while imprisoned Political leaders, thousands of youth under draconian laws. The prolonged Lockdown created misery and plight of Kashmiris, yet India lost Kashmir, because the brave people of Kashmir didn’t refrain from the Freedom movement, and does not want to be with India.
Paulo Morais – Former Presidential Candidate of Portugal- said that we could not ignore the grave human rights situations in Kashmir, and it is right time the Resolutions of United nations must be updated on Kashmir. Jamal Buhasan, former Member of Bahrain Parliament, said that We have a clear message to United Nations and United Nations Security Council: They should resolve the Kashmir issue immediately as per the aspirations of Kashmiris and UN resolutions as Kashmir are facing a multitude of problems under the double Lockdown. He urged the Indian Government to take care of Muslims in India and Kashmir, as we care and feel the pain of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He assured that Kashmir’s issues would be discussed and given priority at the GCC level.
Mejbel Alshrika , Lawyer and Director of the Center for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law thanked Fahim Kayani and his team for organizing Kashmir Conference.
He said that The RSS backed BJP led government of India is committing horrendous crimes against Muslims in India and Indian Occupied Kashmir. We are watching everything, and we are taking note of it, I want to make sure that Muslims in India and Kashmir are not forgotten, we are living in a Civilizational age, and Indian War crimes, and gross human rights violations will be a disaster for its fascist leaders.
He further added that we are taking steps to put sanctions against Indian companies who are exporting beef to Kuwait and Gulf countries while asserted that Indian Fascist leaders would be taken to Human Rights Courts for violating International Laws, Humanitarian laws, Violence, and genocide of Muslims in India and Kashmir.
Dalal Al Ajmi Lawyer and Member of the Human Rights Committee of Kuwait Bar Association said that Rape, Assault and Murder is the Policy of RSS backed BJP led government. Since assuming Power Modi has stressed the implementation of his plan to eliminate minorities by explicitly attacking Muslims, Assaulting and raping their women in India and Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. While 9 million Kashmiris are suffering under punitive Lockdown, education, health, business, everything is closed and disturbed; the people are living in misery.
I want to ask if there is no Diplomatic solution to the Kashmir issue? Shall we move on to a Military solution? Which will have led to the human bloodbath in the region. Dalal Al Ajmi added.
She further said that we are going to put sanctions against Indian companies, and we want to make sure to our Indian and Kashmiri Muslim Brothers and sisters that we are with them.
Mayor of Chesham Cllr Qaser Chaudhry Appreciated President Tek Fahim Kayani and recent updates on IOJ&K from President State AJK. He highlighted because of only 3 months’ Lockdown in Uk and the world now; the world should understand how it is like to be under Lockdown for ten months straight. Kashmiris want their birthright, and Right to self-determination as per the resolutions of United Nations.
The conference was moderated by Cllr Tafheem Sharif. Ballie Hanif Raja Mbe President Tehreek-e-Kashmir Scotland thanked all the participants for attending the confab and raising their voice for
besieged Kashmiri people.
