This year on the 5th of August will mark 5 years since the Indian government imposed its crippling security lockdown on Jammu and Kashmir. The lockdown has led to the most heinous abuses of human rights committed against Kashmiris in the region and 5 years on, the people of Kashmir are still seeking security, accountability and self-determination

For 77 years, Kashmiris have been subjected to various human rights violations including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual violence perpetrated by Indian security forces. Civilians, including women and children, have been caught in the crossfire or deliberately targeted during military operations. over 60,000 people have been killed in Kashmir since the 1980s. The situation today remains dire, with democracy in Kashmir completely eroded and legislation targeting minorities and dissent in full force. The international community has consistently urged India to uphold its international obligations, thoroughly investigate allegations of human rights abuses, and ensure justice and reparations for victims and yet, no sufficient progress to hold the Indian government to account has been made.

As champions of democracy globally and a historical player in this conflict, the UK has a role to play in supporting peace in the region and ultimately, self determination for the people of Kashmir. Peace can only be achieved through sustained diplomatic efforts and the UK must leverage it’s relationship with both India and Pakistan to support efforts to bring an end to one of the UN’s oldest unresolved conflicts. Kashmir is an issue which is very close to my heart, as the son of a Kashmiri woman and as someone who has spent my entire career standing up for the oppressed. With questions of self-determination, autonomy, and cultural identity at the core of the Kashmiri struggle, we must continue to fight for the aspirations and identity of the Kashmiri people. From Manchester to Brussels and now to Westminster, I will always stand up for Kashmir.

Recently, I spoke at the Pakistani Community Centre in Manchester about the plight of Kashmir, renewing my commitment to fight for peace and justice in the region. Now with a Labour Government committed to renewing diplomacy and promoting human rights and accountability abroad, it is my hope that the UK can play a decisive part as a global promoter of democracy in bringing an end to the conflict and ultimately, self-determination for the people of Kashmir. I will do all I can to work with Ministers and other Labour colleagues to help facilitate this.