International Kashmir Conference, 19 May 2026.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Conflict and the Role of the British Government”.
Dr Shabir Choudhry
Organised by the United Kashmir Peoples National Party
British Parliament, Committee Room 9, Westminster.
Distinguished Members of Parliament, respected scholars, human rights defenders, political colleagues, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen,
Assalam-u-Alaikum and good evening.
First of all, I would like to thank the organisers, the United Kashmir Peoples National Party, for arranging this important conference here in the heart of British democracy. I also thank all distinguished guests who have joined us to discuss one of the oldest and most painful unresolved conflicts in the world — the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.
We are gathered here not to spread hatred, not to inflame tensions, and not to encourage violence. We are here to promote dialogue, historical understanding, justice, peace, and the democratic right of people to determine their future peacefully.
Our struggle is peaceful and political. We reject terrorism, extremism, sectarianism, and religious hatred in all forms. We believe that violence has only deepened the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has strengthened the hands of those who benefit from instability and militarisation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The tragedy of Jammu and Kashmir did not emerge in isolation. It is deeply connected with the end of British colonial rule in South Asia in 1947. Therefore, when we discuss the Jammu and Kashmir conflict honestly and responsibly, we must also discuss the historical role and responsibility of the British Government.
The partition of the Indian subcontinent was one of the largest and most painful political upheavals of the twentieth century. Millions were displaced. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives. Communities that had lived together for centuries suddenly became enemies.
In this hurried and poorly managed transfer of power, Jammu and Kashmir was left in a dangerous and uncertain position.
The British Government, under immense political pressure and strategic calculations, left behind unresolved territorial disputes, weak transitional arrangements, and a legacy of division that continues to haunt South Asia today.
Kashmir became one of those unresolved disputes.
The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was geographically connected to both India and the newly created Pakistan. It had religious, cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity. Yet, instead of ensuring a carefully negotiated and peaceful transition, the issue was effectively left to competing political forces, military pressures, and conflicting interpretations.
The consequences have been devastating.
Since 1947, generations of Kashmiris have lived under conflict, uncertainty, division, militarisation, political repression, displacement, and fear. Families have been divided by the Line of Control. Thousands have lost their lives. Many more have lost opportunities, dignity, and hope.
And yet, despite being the principal stakeholders, the people of Jammu and Kashmir themselves have often been excluded from meaningful decision-making processes.
Ladies and gentlemen,
When we speak about the role of the British Government, we are not here to engage in blame alone. History cannot be changed. But history can and must be understood honestly.
Britain played a central role in shaping the political structures, borders, and constitutional crises of post-colonial South Asia. Therefore, Britain also has a moral and political responsibility to support peaceful conflict resolution, human rights, democratic dialogue, and regional stability.
This responsibility does not mean interference or taking sides with one state against another. Rather, it means supporting principles of justice, peace, and international law.
It means encouraging India and Pakistan to move beyond hostility and militarisation.
It means recognising the suffering and aspirations of the people of all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
It means supporting democratic freedoms, human rights, freedom of expression, and peaceful political activity.
It also means rejecting the dangerous politics of religious hatred and extremism that have poisoned the region for decades.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must also recognise an uncomfortable truth: the Jammu and Kashmir conflict has often been exploited by powerful political and military interests on all sides.
Instead of becoming a bridge of peace between South and Central Asia, Jammu and Kashmir became a battleground for nationalism, ideology, and strategic competition.
Ordinary Kashmiris paid the highest price.
Young people were pushed towards anger and hopelessness. Entire generations grew up surrounded by troops, checkpoints, suspicion, propaganda, and fear.
Violence produced more violence.
Extremism produced counter-extremism.
Hatred produced more hatred.
This cycle must end.
Our message today is clear:
The future of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be built through guns, militancy, military domination, religious extremism, or hatred against any community.
It can only be built through dialogue, democratic participation, respect for human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.
We believe in a political and peaceful struggle based on democratic values and human rights.
We believe that no solution can succeed unless it includes the genuine participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir from all regions, religions, and political viewpoints.
Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, and others have all suffered from this conflict in different ways. Therefore, peace must belong to everyone, not just to states or elites.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The British Parliament is an appropriate place for this discussion because Britain presents itself as a defender of democracy, parliamentary traditions, and human rights.
We urge British parliamentarians, policymakers, academics, and civil society organisations to play a constructive role in promoting peace and dialogue.
We ask them to support initiatives that encourage:
- Human rights and civil liberties.
- Cross-Line of Control contact between divided families.
- Academic and cultural exchanges.
- Demilitarisation and reduction of tensions.
- Protection of minorities and vulnerable communities.
- And meaningful political engagement involving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Most importantly, we ask the international community to listen to the voices of ordinary Kashmiris — not only to governments, military establishments, or geopolitical strategists.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Peace requires courage.
Hatred is easy.
Violence is easy.
War slogans are easy.
But reconciliation, compromise, tolerance, and coexistence require wisdom and moral strength.
Our region has already suffered too much.
South Asia cannot move towards prosperity and stability while two nuclear powers remain trapped in permanent hostility over unresolved disputes.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve schools instead of fear, opportunities instead of militarisation, and dignity instead of perpetual conflict.
Before I conclude, let me say clearly:
We oppose terrorism.
We oppose religious extremism.
We oppose sectarian hatred.
We oppose violence against civilians by any actor.
And we equally oppose the denial of democratic rights and peaceful political
expression.
Our struggle is for peace, justice, dignity, and the right of people to live without fear.
Many of us rightly criticise Pakistan, India, and Britain for their roles in the tragedy of Jammu and Kashmir. However, I also believe that the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir must share some responsibility for our present situation.
At critical moments in our history, serious political mistakes were made. Some leaders aligned themselves entirely with either India or Pakistan instead of prioritising the interests and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sadly, some also promoted policies influenced by extremism, violence, and religious hatred rather than advancing a pro-people, democratic, and peaceful vision. This, too, has contributed to our suffering and divisions.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that history should not only be a source of pain, but also a source of lessons.
The mistakes of 1947 must not continue forever.
The responsibility of our generation is not to deepen divisions, but to build bridges.
Not to create new enemies, but to create conditions for peace.
Not to inherit hatred, but to leave behind hope for future generations.
Thank you very much.
Peace be upon you all.
