UK Parliament Affirms Kashmir Accession: Why This Historic Move Matters

British MPs have strongly reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmir's lawful accession to India during a special parliamentary event. The gathering featured the original Instrument of Accession document signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947. Conservative MP Bob Blackman emphasized his continued support for India's territorial sovereignty and British Kashmiri heritage rights. The event also saw condemnation of groups spreading distorted narratives about Kashmir's history.

Key Points: British MPs Reaffirm Jammu and Kashmir Accession to India

  • Conservative MP Bob Blackman hosted historic Accession Day event in UK Parliament
  • Event featured original Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh
  • KPHF-UK condemned groups spreading distorted narratives about Kashmir
  • Parliamentary motion recognizes Accession Day importance for British Kashmiris
2 min read

British MPs reaffirm Jammu and Kashmir's lawful accession to India

UK Parliament hosts Accession Day event, reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir's lawful 1947 accession to India and supporting British Kashmiri heritage rights.

"The accession is a lawful, settled constitutional fact and not subject to revisionist reinterpretation. - Parliamentary Briefing Document"

London, November 13

The Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Foundation (KPHF-UK) marked Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day with a solemn and symbolic observance at the UK House of Commons, highlighting the enduring constitutional and historical legitimacy of the region's accession to India in 1947.

Hosted by the Conservative MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman, the event reaffirmed that the Instrument of Accession, signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947, remains a binding constitutional document that legally and irrevocably established Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the Union of India.

"Last Night, I was pleased to host the Jammu & Kashmir Accession Day event in Parliament, to commemorate the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh!" Blackman said in a post on X.

https://x.com/BobBlackman/status/1988559515311079704?s=20

During the proceedings, Bob Blackman presented his personal copy of the Instrument of Accession and reiterated his continued parliamentary support for India's territorial sovereignty and the rights of the British Kashmiri diaspora to preserve and assert their authentic heritage, history, and identity.

A briefing document circulated among Members of Parliament and lawmakers during the event stated unequivocally:

"The accession is a lawful, settled constitutional fact and not subject to revisionist reinterpretation."Coinciding with Armistice Day, the commemoration also served as a moment of remembrance for all soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars and those who fought in defence of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India.

In a strong statement issued during the event, KPHF-UK condemned Mirpuri groups in the UK who, according to the foundation, "falsely claim Kashmiri identity and spread distorted narratives."

The foundation further vowed to publicly challenge all forms of cultural appropriation and political disinformation that seek to silence or distort the voices of indigenous Kashmiri Pandits and other original communities of the region in Britain.

Adding to the event's significance, Early Day Motion (EDM 2150) -- introduced in the UK Parliament and hosted by MP Blackman -- formally recognises the importance of Accession Day for British citizens of Jammu and Kashmir heritage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone whose family migrated from Kashmir in the 90s, this recognition means so much. The Kashmiri Pandit story needs to be heard globally. Thank you MP Blackman for standing with truth.
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David E
While I respect the historical perspective, I hope this doesn't overshadow the current human rights concerns in the region. Both historical facts and present realities matter.
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Arjun K
Jai Hind! This is what we need more of - clear statements based on constitutional documents. No more ambiguity about Jammu & Kashmir being integral to India. The world must accept this reality.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see British MPs taking this position. The historical context is complex, but legal documents should be respected. Hope this leads to more constructive dialogue.
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Vikram M
The mention of Mirpuri groups is important. Many overseas Pakistanis claim Kashmiri identity without actual roots. This cultural appropriation needs to stop. Well done KPHF-UK! 🙏
K
Kavya N
Remembering the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Kashmir's accession is so meaningful. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten. This event does justice to their memory.

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