MP demands end to Kashmir conflict

CALL FOR PEACE . . . at the conference on Kashmir are, from the left, Mohammed Yousaf Bandoorvi, Debbie Abrahams MP and Mohammed Azam.

NEWLY-elected Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams has called for a resolution to conflict in Kashmir.

The Labour MP attended a conference in the House of Commons on the Indian republic day, which the Kashmiri people observe as a “Black day”.

It was organised by the Jammu Kashmir self-determination Movement Europe and was attended by politicians, authors, poets, community activists and representatives of the Kashmiri community.

Three wars

After 63 years and three wars there is still no sign of the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir.

There is a large Kashmiri community in Oldham, who are affected by the events many thousands of miles away, and among those from the borough attending the conference were Mohammed Yousaf Bandoorvi, the political advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and Mohammed Azam, Secretary General of the organisers.

The conference was sponsored by Julie Hilling MP as a timely reminder to the world that the issue requires urgent attention.

Mrs Abrahams said: “During the election I was made aware of the issue of Kashmir and I said that I would attend any meetings on Kashmir.

“This issue has gone on for far too long and needs a resolution that is acceptable to all parties, especially the people of Kashmir.

“I will continue to work with the Movement and will do what I can to help find a solution to this long-standing dispute.

“I urge both India and Pakistan to start the dialogue again and to work to find a resolution. The communities of Oldham must work together too.”

Mr Azam said: “This movement is an umbrella organisation set up to raise awareness of the Kashmir issue.

“We observed the Indian Republic day as a ‘Black day’ because India alleges to be the largest democracy and yet refuses to allow the people of Kashmir their right of self-determination.

“We must not allow further killings to take place in Kashmir and must work together to get a resolution to this issue.

“It will benefit all, including the people of Oldham.”

The conference resolved to meet again within three months to monitor the progress made.