Sir Keir’s Kashmir stance prompts anger, hurt in diaspora, Labour members

LUTON: Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on Kashmir has caused a wave of anger, not only among the Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora in Britain but also among Labour members who stand against injustice around the world.

On Thursday, the recently elected Labour leader called Kashmir a “bilateral issue” following a meeting with the Labour Friends of India. The repositioning is a break from his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, who had said the rights abuses in the disputed territory were “unacceptable”.

Reacting to the development, London-based barrister Nawab Babar Khan said he was “disappointed” with Starmer’s stated position. “The Kashmir issue at present cannot be regarded as a bilateral issue because the Shimla Agreement is long dead and buried. The major powers need to get involved as regards resolving the issue according to the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He urged Starmer to take notice of the human rights violations and atrocities committed by India in Kashmir since the August 2019 lockdown. He also called on the Labour leader to “raise his voice for the oppressed people of Kashmir”.

Luton Borough Executive Councillor Raja Aslam Khan said it was “shocking” to see the leadership trying to please “powerful economies and political lobbyists”. “BJP ministers openly preach hate and are directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of Muslims and other minorities in India.”

He added: “I agree that nothing should divide our communities in UK, however it should not stop us from condemning and holding Indian government to account. We should not compromise on our party values at any time or for anyone.”

The councillor has also written a letter to Sir Keir and the NEC chair. He also emailed both Luton MPs and had a lengthy conversation with them about Kashmir and Sir Keir’s statements and how much pain it had caused the community. The MPs agreed to write to the Labour leader and also work with the Friends of Kashmir group.

JKLF’s Zafar Khan, Ejaz Malik, Liaqat Ali Chaudhry, Yousaf Chaudhry, Lateef Malik, Aqeel Butt and several other activists called upon Labour to campaign for its 2019 conference policy to demand the restoration of basic human rights and the right to self-determination in occupied Kashmir.

PTI activist Chaudhry Shakil Rafique suggested that Kashmiris should continue lobbying within the Labour Party and must unite for their cause. PPP activists Shugufta Naheed and Saira Bano stated that they were deeply disturbed by Starmer’s narrative on Kashmir.

Religious scholar Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed, and Luton Kashmir Solidarity Campaign Coordinator Chaudhry Qurban suggested that Luton Kashmiris should urge the Labour leadership to continue their support for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

Councillor Waheed Akbar said: “Very disappointed. Obviously Jeremy’s policies will not remain the same. As a Labour member, I will continue lobbying for the Kashmir in the Labour Party.”

JKLF President UK Syed Techeen Gillani issued a statement saying it was disappointing how Starmer backtracked on Labour’s commitments for resolution of Jammu Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, this correspondent has learnt that letters have been sent to the Labour leader from different people from all over the UK showing their concern regarding his narrative on Kashmir.

Separately, Debbie Abrahams MP, Chairperson of the APPG on Kashmir has arranged a video conference with Sir Keir next week. Labour’s Luton North MP Sarah Owen and Luton South Labour MP Rachel Hopkins will be joining the video conference, which will focus on Kashmir.