New Delhi: On the eve of the 76th anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir’s historic accession to India on October 26, 1947, the House of Commons in the UK Parliament marked the occasion by celebrating Jammu and Kashmir Day.
The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir diaspora residing in the United Kingdom and hosted by the Member of Parliament for Harrow East, Rt Hon. Bob Blackman.
Attendees at the event featured Ajatshatru Singh and Ritu Singh, hailing from the historical royal lineage of Jammu and Kashmir. The evening also witnessed insightful addresses by prominent speakers, including Gautam Sen, Sushil Pandit, and Sajjad Raja, representing Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).
Other parliamentarians attending the event included Rt Hon Jonathan Lord, MP Woking, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, and MP Chipping Barnet.
Gautam Sen addressed the issue of Kashmiri Pandits’ challenges and the apparent absence of political determination to aid their resettlement. He underscored how this could be linked to vote bank politics, underscoring that the Pandit community’s relatively smaller size diminishes their political influence.
Sajjad Raja addressed the House of Commons, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded during the partition and emphasising the suffering endured by Hindus and Sikhs. He strongly argued that Pakistan was not a party to the Jammu and Kashmir issue because they were the aggressors who invaded and forcibly occupied Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) in 1947.
MP Theresa Villiers underscored the significance of Jammu and Kashmir Day and the advancements achieved by the region following the removal of Article 370.
Member of Parliament Bob Blackman called upon Pakistan to cease state-sponsored terrorism in the area, highlighting the importance of achieving peace and prosperity in the region.
The event saw a strong presence of UK politicians, community leaders, members of the broader British Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir diaspora, and several parliamentary personnel.