India set aside a discussion on the Kashmir issue saying that no third party had any role to play in resolving the dispute between the two countries in UK Parliament. MEA was aware of the development but added that all problems between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally.
“Our position on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir is very clear that all issues between India and Pakistan are to be resolved bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration,” said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup. “There is no room for third party,” he added.
But the British MPs cautioned against any rise of violence in Kashmir. Led by David Nuttall (Conservative) together with Nusrat Ghani (Conservative), Robert Flello (Labour) and Fiona Mactaggart (Labour), UK Parliament held a debate on Kashmir issues. The debate was encouraged by the Backbench Business Committee after an application from Nuttall.
“This House notes the escalation in violence and breaches of international human rights on the Indian side of the Line of Control in Kashmir; calls on the government to raise the matter at the United Nations; and further calls on the government to encourage Pakistan and India to commence peace negotiations to establish a long term solution on the future governance of Kashmir based on the rights of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future in accordance with the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions,” said the motion of the debate.
However, Conservative MP from Harrow East Bob Blackman and Labour MP from Ealing Southall Virendra Sharma were against the motion. “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 & Kashmir,” said Bob Blackman, who has also campaigned for the rights of Kashmiri Pandits.
