Oral Answers to Questions

Liz McInnes Excerpts
Tuesday 18th October 2016

(8 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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This is of course a very important matter, and we raise these issues with both Governments. Ultimately, however, it is for both sides to progress the issue and determine the outcome.

Liz McInnes Portrait Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab)
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On behalf of the Opposition, I associate myself with the Minister’s remarks. The recent upsurge in violent clashes and terrorist attacks in Kashmir is deeply disturbing. We urge all sides to engage in dialogue, halt the cycle of violence and keep innocent civilians from harm. We have heard today about the use of pellet guns against protesters in Kashmir, which is totally unacceptable. Will the Minister and the Secretary of State urge the Indian authorities to make good on their commitment to stop the use of those weapons?

Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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As I have noted on a number of occasions, the use of pellet guns in Kashmir has come under review by the Government of India, and our understanding is that alternative methods of crowd control will be introduced.