The petition of residents of the UK,
Declares that the security situation in Kashmir remains unacceptable with continued human rights violations; further that recent events, particularly around the Indian General Election, have seen an increase in violence and deaths in the region.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to put further pressure on the Indian Government to resolve the long running dispute; and further to commit to working with both parties to encourage dialogue to deliver a resolution to the status of the region; and further to support development in the region; and further to support calls for self-determination for the Kashmiri people by empowering those who live in Kashmir to determine their own future through the ballot box.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Holly Lynch, Official Report, 5 November 2019; Vol. 667, c. 747.]
[P002540]
Observations from Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
We urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and improve channels of communication. We encourage them to engage in dialogue and find lasting diplomatic solutions to the situation, but we recognise that the pace and scope of any dialogue is for India and Pakistan to determine.
We welcome India’s commitment to economic and social development in India-administered Kashmir, and have asked the Indian Government for more detail on how their plans will be realised.
We also recognise that there are human rights concerns in India-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights abuse or violations is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently.
We have raised our concerns with the Government of India and will continue to remain in close contact with the Governments of India and Pakistan regarding the situation in Kashmir.
The long-standing position of the United Kingdom is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people; it is not for the United Kingdom to prescribe a solution or act as a mediator.