Members of the diaspora from Jammu and Kashmir have united outside the UK Parliament today in condemnation of what they call “Pakistan state-sponsored terrorism.” The protest aimed to draw the attention of the world toward Pakistan’s alleged use of terrorism as a state policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Protesters held placards and banners reading, “Pakistan stop terrorizing”, “Pakistan stop killing innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir” and “The world must act on Pakistan’s terrorism”. Quite unmistakably, the message was to ask parliamentarians and other institutions to take a stand on Pakistan’s policies.
The demonstrators asserted that Pakistan aims to destabilize peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir, showing little concern for the region’s people. They claimed that Pakistan’s strategy involves using terrorism to disrupt the area.
Members of the Hindu community shared their personal experiences of suffering due to what they described as Pakistan’s targeted terrorism infrastructure. Additionally, many Indian diaspora members joined the protest in solidarity. This group included victims of terrorism, Indian Army personnel, and participants in Hindu pilgrimages such as Amarnath Yatra and Shiv Khori. Consequently, their collective presence highlighted the widespread impact of the alleged terrorism.
The protest occurred in response to a Pakistani propaganda event on Kashmir held in the UK Parliament on the same day. “The event is nothing but eyewash as it did not take into consideration the ground realities in Jammu and Kashmir. Particularly illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan”. “The Pakistan government has consistently utilized state and non-state actors in perpetuating terrorism,” the protesters accused.
The protesters went on to claim that the event excluded key stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir. They highlighted the plight of Kashmiri Hindus, who faced ethnic cleansing. Along with the Dogras, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis of Jammu, Sikhs, and Buddhists and Shia Muslims of Ladakh.
Several prominent members addressed the gathering. Krishna Bhan, President of the Indo-European Kashmir Forum, spoke about the suffering of Kashmiri Hindus over the last 35 years. Her remarks aimed to raise global awareness about their plight, which Western discussions often overlook.
Manu Khajuria, founder of Voice of Dogras, dismissed Pakistan’s drama as a sham. She criticized Pakistan’s ongoing obsession with Jammu and Kashmir. Accusing it of conducting invasions, proxy wars, and attempts to radicalize local youth. Furthermore, Khajuria emphasized that the core issue is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. And the serious human rights violations there.
A member from POJK echoed these concerns. Highlighting the suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrests, and poor socio-economic conditions in the region. Additionally, they pointed out the inadequate healthcare and education.
Additionally, the diaspora has launched a digital van campaign across London. This effort aims to inform the UK public about Jammu and Kashmir’s history and current realities. Furthermore, it seeks to expose what the diaspora calls “Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism” and human rights abuses in the occupied territories.
ANI
