We can’t support extremism, violence and CPEC Mike Gapes MP is told

We can’t support extremism, violence and CPEC Mike Gapes MP is told.

London 02 September 2016

Dr Shabir Choudhry, Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party and Professor Ejaz Pracha, President of Friends of Jammu and Kashmir had a detailed meeting with Mike Gapes MP, former Chairman of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee and who is still a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Dr Shabir Choudhry gave details of human rights abuses taking place on both sides of the divide with varying degrees; and requested the honourable Member of the Parliament to help us to alleviate the suffering and misery of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation also talked about CPEC and how it would affect people of Gilgit Baltistan, which is also part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Shabir Choudhry said, ‘’How can we support a project which will only bring environment problems to the local people. The people of Gilgit Baltistan will not benefit from the Project; as the CPEC is designed to exploit our resources and only benefit some people in Pakistan and in China. The local people are not consulted; and if they question rationale of the CPEC or oppose it, they are projected as ‘agents of India’ and ‘traitors’; and could face sedition charges under the illegal National Action Plan.’

Dr Choudhry also opined the honourable Member of Parliament how people are suffering in the Indian Occupied Kashmir; and how they were suffering in the Pakistani Occupied Kashmir and in Gilgit Baltistan. In this context he explained how political and human rights activists were facing anti terrorism laws. As a case study he gave details of Baba Jan and his colleagues who were sentenced for 40 years.

Apart from that the delegation expressed serious concern over growing extremism, religious intolerance and violence, which if not checked could result in bloodshed even on the British streets. Extremists and communalists supported by some governments are threatening and intimidating senior people in Britain. Their agenda is to silence all those who promote secular and liberal ideals and oppose politics of extremism, violence and religious intolerance.

Dr Shabir Choudhry gave him details of how the Pakistani government is targeting him, and how they have curbed his fundamental rights by not renewing his ID card. He said my right to travel, right to meet friends and relatives, right to bank, right to buy and sell property; and above all a right to visit grave of my beloved father is curbed.

Dr Shabir Choudhry also presented Mike Gapes MP his book: Extremism, violence and peace in South Asia.

Mike Gapes MP said, he has always championed right of free speech, liberty and respect for all. We want to have democratic and a tolerant society where everyone can live in peace. He said he will take these issues with the respective governments, and urge them to respect human rights of all.

He said he will take issue of ID card with the government of Pakistan, as there is no reason why they should act like this. END

Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry

Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com