Jammu and Kashmir Diaspora Protests at UK Parliament Over Pakistan's Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir diaspora in the UK protested at the UK Parliament, condemning Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism. They urged global action against Pakistan's policies, highlighting the suffering and human rights violations in the region, particularly against the Hindu community.

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir diaspora in the UK staged a protest in front of the UK Parliament, condemning what they described as 'Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism.' The protesters displayed placards and banners with messages like, 'Pakistan stop terrorising,' 'Pakistan stop killing innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir,' and 'The world must act on Pakistan's terrorism.'

The demonstrators called on parliamentarians and other institutions to take a stand and intervene to end 'Pakistan's use of terrorism as state policy in Jammu and Kashmir,' according to a press release. They argued that Pakistan aims to undermine peace and progress in the region, with little regard for the well-being of the local population.

Members of the Hindu community at the protest shared their experiences of violence they claim to have suffered due to Pakistan's 'terrorism infrastructure, which specifically targets them.' They were joined by members of the Indian diaspora who empathized and stood in solidarity with them. These incidents, they noted, have affected individuals ranging from Indian Army personnel to pilgrims on journeys such as the Amarnath Yatra.

The protest was reportedly organized in response to a pro-Pakistan event about Kashmir held in the UK Parliament on the same day. Protesters accused the event of ignoring the realities in Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan's alleged illegal occupation of parts of the region, and of using state and non-state actors to institutionalize terrorism. Moreover, they claimed the event excluded key stakeholders from Jammu and Kashmir, such as Kashmiri Hindus, Dogras, Gujjars, and Buddhists.

Notable community members addressed the protest, including Krishna Bhan, President of the Indo-European Kashmir Forum, who highlighted the overlooked plight of Kashmiri Hindus over the past 35 years. She emphasized the need for global awareness about their suffering, forcing them to flee their homeland due to 'Pakistan-sponsored terrorism' in the 1990s.

Voice of Dogras founder Manu Khajuria condemned the Pakistan-organized event in the UK Parliament as a sham, spotlighting Pakistan's ongoing actions in Jammu and Kashmir, including invasions and attempts to radicalize youth. She argued that the core issue is Pakistan's illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and the severe human rights abuses there.

A representative from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) echoed these sentiments, citing suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrests, and poor socio-economic conditions in the region. Additionally, a digital van campaign was launched across the city to inform the UK public about the historical and current realities of Jammu and Kashmir.

This effort aims to expose 'Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism,' which continues to destabilize the region, as well as highlight human rights abuses in the occupied territories by Pakistan, according to the press release.

(With inputs from agencies.)