Corbyn calls for re-evaluation of narrative over Kashmir dispute

LONDON: Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has advocated for a re-evaluation of the prevailing narrative surrounding the Kashmir conflict, characterising it primarily as an issue of Kashmiri self-determination rather than a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan.

This assertion was made during a seminar held at a UK Parliament committee room the other day, and attended by active members of the Kashmiri diaspora, where some other British parliament members expressed their support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their right to self-determination.

Corbyn emphasised that the Jammu and Kashmir issue transcends a mere bilateral disagreement; it fundamentally concerns the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Corbyn expressed his support for a resolution calling for a parliamentary inquiry to scrutinise the British government’s “inadequate response” to the situation, which has contributed to significant suffering among the local population.

He further indicated that this matter would be brought to the attention of the All Parties Parliamentary Kashmir Committee in the British parliament, and also signaled his intention to raise the issue in parliament.

Richard Bergen, Vice Chairman of the All Parties Parliamentary Group for Kashmir and Member of Parliament, spoke about his longstanding advocacy for the true freedom of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, affirming his commitment to continue this effort in the future.

Debbie Ibrahim, the former Chair of the APPG, echoed these concerns, referencing United Nations reports and underscoring the importance of collaboration with the British Kashmiri community to pursue a meaningful resolution.

Member of Parliament Tahir Ali further reinforced the notion that the legitimate stakeholders in the Kashmir dispute are the residents of Jammu and Kashmir themselves.

Azmat A Khan, Secretary General of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, remarked on the United Nations’ inability to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir conflict. He also highlighted the case of Mohammad Yasin Malik, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, urging the UK government to ensure his safety. Nadeem Aslam, a senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Awami Party, stressed that the Jammu and Kashmir issue extends beyond a mere territorial dispute; it embodies a quest for national independence. He called upon the international community, particularly in the West, to support the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Mehtab Ahmed, President of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front UK and Europe, articulated the primary objective of the seminar: to convey the aspirations of the predominant demographic of Jammu and Kashmir, who are the legitimate stakeholders in this issue.

The event featured participation from Member of Parliament Afsana Begum, alongside notable Kashmiri activists, including Tehseen Gillani, Raja Kaman Afsar, Zakir Khan, Parveen Bibi, Khawaja Hassan, Zia Ahmed, Hasim Lone, Javed Akhtar, Yasir Ahmed, Kamran Biag, Shakil Jaral, and Comrade Asif, among others.