World

Kashmiris laud Thewliss for raising IIOJK issue in UK parliament

Pakistani, Kashmiri diaspora lauds MPs for raising Kashmir issue in UK Parliament, call for continued advocacy

Our Correspondent December 16, 2023

MP Alison Thewliss questions the British government on IIOJK in this screengrab. PHOTO: X/@fahim_kayani

LONDON:

Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora groups in the UK have expressed appreciation for SNP leader and MP Alison Thewliss for raising the Kashmir question in the British Parliament.

Thewliss specifically queried the British government's assessment of the recent decision by the Indian Supreme Court, which supported the revocation of the special status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

SNP MP @alisonthewliss questions the UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific on Indian Supreme Court ruling on 370 pic.twitter.com/9176goG4nU
— Fahim Kayani (@fahim_kayani) December 14, 2023

In response to Thewliss's question, Anne-Marie Trevelyan from the British government stated that they were aware of the Indian Supreme Court's decision.

“We continue to discuss with both parties… they need both to resolve that continuing situation and have constructive dialogue with Kashmiris,” Trevelyan told the parliament.

The Kashmir question arose during a parliamentary debate following a conference on the longstanding Kashmir dispute chaired by MP Paul Bristow.

Fahim Kayani, president of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, highlighted the importance of continued debates in the British Parliament, stating that it is “must for Kashmir cause of right to self-determination.”

“Kashmiris appreciate MPs Paul Bristow and Alison Thewliss for their conscious advocacy of Kashmir at the parliament,” said Kayani, adding that holding conferences on Kashmir was important to press British government to “use its influence over India to end illegal occupation in Kashmir.”

The Kashmiri diaspora leader pointed out that advocacy and lobbying with the British and European lawmakers was an important responsibility of overseas Kashmiris.

“Our cause and case is genuine and no power on earth can challenge the birth right of Kashmiris,” he added.