British Parliament discusses Kashmir, India says ‘no room’
TNN Bureau. Updated: 1/20/2017 12:05:47 AM
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NEW DELHI: India today reacted strongly to British Parliament debating on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, saying there is no room for a third party role in the matter.
Noting that the government was aware of the development, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "Our position on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is very clear that all issues between India and Pakistan are to be resolved bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration. "There is no room for third party."
UK's House of Commons debated on J&K issue which was proposed by the Backbench Business Committee following an application from British MP David Nuttall.
During the debate, British MPs cautioned against "escalation" of violence in the region.
"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 and Kashmir," said Conservative party MP Bob Blackman, who has long campaigned for the rights of Kashmiri Pandits forced to flee the region.
"Today marks the terrible day back in 1990 when Kashmiri Hindus were forced from their homes. I have been speaking on this issue for 27 years. The whole of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and both India and Pakistan must abide by the UN resolution," said Blackman, who was among the MPs speaking in the debate.
The motion for today's debate read, "That this House notes the escalation in violence and breaches of international human rights on the Indian side of the LoC in Kashmir; calls on the Government to raise the matter at the UN 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 right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future in accordance with the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions," as per the reports.