Statement from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir: Demonstrations in Jammu and Kashmir
The recent deaths of 20 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir appear to have originated from the mismanagement of a peaceful demonstration. The use of force against unarmed protestors must be utterly condemned.
Political parties and groups leading the protests must make every attempt to end the dispute peacefully, and the Indian government must order troops and police to refrain from using lethal force against non-violent protesters in Jammu and Kashmir unless absolutely necessary to protect life. The Indian Government must also provide immediate relief to the families of the victims and those who were injured in the incident.
We demand that an impartial investigation is held into the causes of the shooting of civilians and the Indian Government must hold their law enforcement officials to account for their use of force. We reiterate our call for India to allow human rights organisations into the area to assist .
It is essential that there is an end to unnecessary curfews and that access to full medical facilities and essential drugs are restored along with freedom of the media.
As always the APPG Kashmir will continue to press with all our power for Kashmiris to be given the power to resolve their own situation and their right to self determination must be upheld.
Recent work:
- The APPG worked with East of England MEP Richard Howitt to propose amendments to MEP Baroness Emma Nicholson’s draft EU Report on Kashmir, published in late 2006. A specially convened emergency meeting of the group issued a strongly worded statement on the 28th November describing the report as ‘fundamentally flawed’ and a ‘not a true reflection of the current situation in Kashmir’.
- Following the devastating earthquake in Kashmir on 8th October 2005, the APPG has been focused on aiding a speedy and effective response and pressed the government to provide sustained aid to help the region to get back on its feet again. A delegation from the APPG visited Kashmir in February 2006 to see the reconstruction efforts first hand.
- Members of the APPG have been active in pressing the case for self-determination for the people of Kashmir as set out in the two United Nations resolutions.
Please click hereto read the EID letter from Margaret Moran MP - Chair of the APPG.
THE PRIME MINISTER
Thursday 11 October
I am delighted to send my warmest wishes to our British Muslim communities
for the forthcoming celebration of Eid-al-Fitr.
I know that the Holy Month of Ramadan has an important and special
meaning for the many and diverse Muslim communities all over the world. The
period of daily fasting gives you a time to reflect on your lives and your faith.
This celebration is also important for everyone in our country as it reminds us
all of our shared obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Islamic art, science, philosophy and thought have enriched our lives over
many centuries. And in Britain, of course, our Muslim communities make a huge
contribution to all fields of our national life and the United Kingdom's prosperity. This
is something we can all be proud of.
With best wishes at this special time. Eid Mubarak.
Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
Prime Minister
Site designed and developed by eQuality Networks- contact admin@equalitynetworks.org.uk
