Over 50 British parliamentarians raise concerns over "arrests and escalating tensions" in PoJK
London, June 9
More than 50 members of the British Parliament have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing concern over reports of a communications blackout, arrests, and escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In a letter sent to the UK Foreign Office on June 6, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, who is also the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, has highlighted reports from the region of internet and mobile service disruptions, restrictions on communications, and growing unrest
"As Chair of the APPG on Kashmir, our letter to the Foreign Secretary now has the support of over 50 Parliamentarians. We remain deeply concerned by reports of a continued lockdown, a communications blackout, arrests and escalating tensions," Hussain said in a post on X.
"The UK Government must use all appropriate diplomatic channels to support de-escalation, the immediate lifting of the blockade, restoration of communications and a peaceful resolution through table talks that respect the human rights of Kashmiris at the heart of it," he said.
In the letter, the parliamentarians said they had been contacted by numerous British Kashmiris who were unable to establish contact with relatives in PoJK.
The signatories expressed concern over reports of arrests, including those of British nationals, and the reported breakdown of dialogue between authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee.
They noted that restrictions on communications in an already sensitive political environment risk increasing uncertainty and further escalating tensions.
The parliamentarians stressed that peaceful dialogue, restraint, and meaningful engagement are essential to resolving grievances. They emphasized that the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and access to communications are important principles that help maintain stability and public confidence.
In their letter, they sought clarification from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on its assessment of the reported communications disruptions and wider developments in PoJK.
They also asked what measures the UK Government was taking to support British nationals in the region and British citizens with family ties there.
The MPs further requested details of any representations made by the UK Government to Pakistan regarding the restoration of communications and the lifting of restrictions. They also sought information on diplomatic efforts to encourage the resumption of dialogue between authorities and local representatives and prevent further escalation.
The letter stated that the people of PoJK, along with British Kashmiris who maintain close family and community ties with the region, deserve peace, stability, and the opportunity for their concerns to be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Among the signatories are MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, including Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, Tan Dhesi, Naz Shah, Zarah Sultana, John McDonnell and several members of the House of Lords.
The parliamentarians urged the British Government to use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the situation in PoJK.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand the Indian position, I think the UK MPs are right to be concerned about human rights, especially communications blackouts and arrests. But let's be honest – Pakistan has been suppressing voices in PoJK for decades. India should support peaceful dialogue there, not just dismiss it. Balance is needed.
The hypocrisy of the UK is stunning. They have their own human rights issues in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but they lecture us on Kashmir. PoJK is under illegal Pakistani occupation – the real problem is Pakistan's military rule there, not India's response to terrorism. These MPs need to look in the mirror. 😤
As someone from the West, I find this intervention troubling. Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan per the Simla Agreement. The UK should not take sides. Also, why is Imran Hussain leading this? He has a clear bias. Let's respect sovereignty and focus on real human rights issues in both India and PoJK.
I'm a Kashmiri Pandit and this is frustrating. The world always talks about human rights in PoJK but ignores the genocide of Pandits and the suppression of all Kashmiris by Pakistan. If the UK really cares, they should demand Pakistan allow self-determination in PoJK, not just criticize India. 🙏
As a British citizen of Indian origin, I'm disappointed but not surprised. The UK has a history of interference in Kashmir. These MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, have consistently been anti-India. The letter is one-sided and ignores Pakistani atrocities. India should diplomatically counter this narrative strongly.