House of Commons · Westminster Hall
05 March 2025 · 18 other contributors · 12,360 words
Opened by Sarah Smith Lab Hyndburn
Responding minister: Catherine West
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Smith raised concerns about jammu and kashmir: human rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The UK Government should raise their concerns in ongoing trade talks and diplomatic negotiations with India. They should support the call for the release of journalists and press for an open media environment that can function meaningfully to promote a healthy democratic process.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The region is one of the most militarised places in the world with widespread abuse at the hands of state and non-state actors. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue to highlight human rights concerns including repression of media and freedom of speech, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and other serious abuses.
Mohamed pays tribute to the work of constituents who have campaigned for years to raise awareness about the plight of Kashmiris, supporting their right to self-determination and highlighting the importance of addressing human rights abuses.
Emphasised the importance of highlighting human rights issues in all trade discussions between UK and India, stressing historical connections.
Khan emphasises the need for Britain to reclaim its moral authority and uphold international law, urging the Government to impose sanctions against India for ongoing abuses in Kashmir.
Expressed concern about tension between India and Pakistan, advocating for UK to play an active role in peace process and supporting UN engagement in Kashmir.
Emphasised the importance of raising human rights issues with India, discussed electoral turnout in Kashmir, and mentioned ongoing dialogue for resolving issues related to Article 370. Stressed the importance of these debates in influencing FCDO work and underlined the principle of India and Pakistan resolving the situation.
The human rights violations in Kashmir are severe, and local activism by people like Majid Khan and Amjid Wazir helps raise awareness among wider constituents.
The work of local councillors like Majid Khan and Amjid Wazir in raising awareness about the conflict is crucial. The UK should support mediation efforts that include the voices of Kashmiri women.
Asked for UK Ministers to push for prosecution of men who use rape and sexual violence as tools of oppression in any interactions with the Indian Government.
Paid tribute to councillors who raised concerns about Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, criticised the lack of progress since then, emphasised the need for action beyond debates and words. Asked for details of the Indian response to UK interventions regarding article 370. Asked about UK's position on a 1948 Security Council resolution supporting a plebiscite for Kashmir, questioning if it is still supported by the UK.
Described the impact of India’s unilateral move to downgrade Jammu and Kashmir, including internet shutdowns, arrests under Unlawful Activity Prevention Act, freezing of NGO bank accounts by Indian Government, land law changes leading to evictions and property destruction.
Stressed the long-standing persecution, oppression and injustice faced by people in Kashmir including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and military occupation. Queried whether the UK Government supports the position under international law giving birthright of self-determination to Kashmiris.
Amnesty International reports describe restrictions on freedom of expression, longer detentions without trial under anti-terror laws, extrajudicial killings, and a lack of international awareness.
The MP expresses deep concern over press suppression and human rights concerns in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting arbitrary arrests and surveillance that violate press freedom. He raises the issue of 33 militant-related attacks since 2021 and discusses the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Inquired about the role of a special envoy concerning religious discrimination and abuse, raised concerns specifically regarding persecution faced by Ahmadiyya Muslims.
Asked if it is reasonable for constituents to hope that within the next four and a half years, things will progress rather than being simply rehearsed.
Referred to Amnesty International’s report titled “Five years of silence and struggle in Kashmir”, highlighting the need for action on human rights issues.
Called for support of UN resolutions from 1948, 1949, and 1960 that uphold the right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite. Highlighted recent human rights abuses in Kashmir by India.
India’s actions in Kashmir are a blatant disregard for democracy, with extrajudicial killings and torture documented. The right to self-determination of Kashmiris is critical.
The Indian Government's revocation of Article 370 has worsened the situation in Kashmir, leading to land grabs and demographic changes. The UK should engage diplomatically to ensure human rights and self-determination for Kashmiris.
Government Response
Catherine WestThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
The Government encourage India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and find a political resolution regarding Kashmir. While it is not the UK's role to mediate, they will raise human rights concerns with both countries through diplomatic channels. The Minister also committed to following up on specific cases mentioned by MPs and engaging with Commonwealth institutions. Responded to questions on UK-India relations regarding Kashmir, including diplomatic interventions and human rights issues. Discussed restrictions and elections in Kashmir, urged respect for human rights and lifting of remaining restrictions, noted ongoing dialogue with India on Article 370 resolution. Emphasized that it is important to hold to the principle of India and Pakistan taking charge of resolving the situation while listening to Kashmiri people's wishes. Noted support for raising issues like violence against women with respective Governments.