Speakers at a Kashmir Conference held under the auspices of JKLF UK Zone express concern about reports of severe human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir

LONDON, Dec 12 (SABAH): On the International Human Rights Day, a Kashmir Conference was organized under the auspices of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) UK Zone at the British Parliament House.

The conference was attended by JKLF UK Zone officials and senior leaders, elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and councilors from various regions of the UK, representatives of human rights and pro-freedom organizations, members of the press, and other notable figures from various walks of life. The conference was jointly conducted by MP Richard Burgon and JKLF UK Zone Organizer Amjad Nawaz.

According to a detailed statement issued from the JKLF International Secretariat in London, MP Liam Byrne expressed his support for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and highlighted the significant issues faced by Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC). He stated that as members of the Friends of Kashmir in the British Parliament, they would continue to raise the voice of Kashmiris.

According to the statement, MP Rachel Hopkins from Luton, expressed her concern about reports of severe human rights violations in Kashmir. She stressed that protection of basic human rights of people is the responsibility of every nation and affirmed her support for the unfettered right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. She assured attendees that she was aware of the concerns of British Kashmiris regarding the UK government’s Kashmir policy and emphasized that efforts were underway to address these concerns.

MP Tahir Ali advised the British Kashmiri community to unite and reach out to as many MPs as possible to amplify their voice. In his address, MP Mohammad Yasin from Bedford urged Kashmiris to establish stronger connections with major political parties in the UK to strengthen their advocacy efforts.

MP Debbie Abrahams apprised the participants about her efforts in the British Parliament regarding the illegal detention of JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik and renowned human rights activist Khurram Parvez by India. She said that her recommendation to UK government in a parliament session was to raise the issue with the Indian ambassador in London.

MP Imran Hussain informed that a debate on Yasin Malik’s case had been included in the Early Day Motion. Former Labour Party leader and MP Jeremy Corbyn while addressing the conference described the human rights situation in Kashmir as volatile and said that Kashmir is not a bilateral issue to be decided by India and Pakistan only. He stressed that the resolution of the issue lies in the exercise of free and fair will of the people of Jammu Kashmir. He called on the British government to play an active role in resolving the Kashmir issue and suggested linking aid to India and Pakistan with human rights conditions in Kashmir. Corbyn affirmed that the matter would continue to be raised in the UK Parliament.

Professor Shahid, a human rights activist, shed light on the human rights situation in Indian-administered Kashmir while presenting some factual evidence. He remarked that if a globally renowned human rights advocate like Khurram Parvez was being treated in this manner, one could imagine the plight of ordinary people.

The speakers of conference also voiced their support for the fundamental rights movement in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir and the Charter of Demands put forth by the Joint Awami Action Committee.

The statement reported that speakers expressed deep concern over Yasin Malik’s imprisonment, unjust court proceedings and his deteriorating health. They emphasized that a fair trial is a fundamental right of every individual, regardless of nationality, and that Malik must be given the opportunity to present his defense. They criticized the use of draconian laws such as PSA, AFSPA and TADA in Indian-administered Kashmir to target political prisoners as acts of vengeance.

The conference was also addressed by JKLF UK Zonal President Liaqat Lone, MP Yasmin Qureshi, JKLF Central Chief Organizer Sabir Gul, JKLF Europe Zonal President Malik Mushtaq Pasha, Supreme Council Member Tariq Sharif, Zonal General Secretary Tanveer Malik, Zonal Political Wing Head Sardar Naseem Iqbal Khan Advocate, senior leaders Imad Malik, Yasir Naveed, Nazim Bhatti, Mirza Saib Baig, Latif Malik, Gulfraz Khan, Sana Hussain, Aneeq Kakroo, Sana Malik, Maria, Fatima, Aisha Shabbir, and others.