Threat to fundamental rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir in Britain.

Date: 09 September 2020                                                      Our Ref: PR/FAC2020

 

Debby Abrahams, Chairperson All Parties Parliamentary Group

 

Dear Debby Abrahams.

 

Re: Threat to fundamental rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir in Britain.

 

It is not my concern, in name of Jammu and Kashmir, who gets what from which secret agency to advance a particular view point. However, it becomes my serious concern when people don’t discharge their duties correctly, tell lies, muzzle our fundamental right, harass and intimidate us even in Britain.

 

Before I give details of the threats the British Kashmiris face on streets of England, I need to give you some background that you can understand the situation.

 

I am sure well informed person like you would know that Tanveer Ahmed, a British citizen was arrested, beaten up, dragged, insulted and put in prison without any charges in so called Azad Kashmir.

 

Sadly, he is still in prison or in some torture cell, yet APPG is quiet and looking the other way. Not only complete silence by APPG surprises me and other freedom loving British citizens, but it hurts us that even the Members of the Parliament hailing from that region are also tight lipped on the issue.

 

Tanveer Ahmed did not break any law, yet he was arrested and beaten up. Azad Kashmir government and their supporters claim to be independent, then question arises what right Pakistan has to hoist their flag there?

 

Pakistan have their flags hoisted on many buildings and in various places in Azad Kashmir. Pakistan is an independent country, and so is Azad Kashmir, according to their claim, then why there are no flags of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan?

 

People have so called Azad Kashmir, more appropriately, Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir tolerated this, mainly due to fear and intimidation. This year before 14 August, a Pakistani flag was hoisted in a square in Sub District Dadyal of District Mirpur which is attributed to Maqbool Butt.

 

To people of the region, and especially to nationalists of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a sacred place which symbolises their national struggle for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Once the functions related to the independence of Pakistan were over, Tanveer Ahmed and other nationalists requested the authorities to remove that flag, as it hurts their sentiments. Their requests fell on deaf ears, and in response, Tanveer Ahmed went on hunger strike, which he ended on the promise that the flag will be removed in a couple of days.

 

After waiting for more than ten days, Tanveer Ahmed removed the flag. He paid full respect to the flag, wrapped it carefully and kept it close to his chest. The flag fell on floor when police attacked him, beaten him up and dragged him.

 

There were a number of protests and petitions for the release of Tanveer Ahmed. Sadly, he is still not released. The authorities have not charged him with any offence. There is no such law under which they can charge him.

 

To protest against his illegal arrest and detention, Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance arranged a demonstration outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford. The JKNIA had a permission from police to hold this protest.

 

In order to intimidate Kashmiri nationalists and create chaos, the Consulate allowed their supporters and some trouble makers to assemble at the same spot.

 

As expected, this created a serious tension. The supporters of Pakistan started using foul language and intimidate the other group which is pro people, pro peace and pro Jammu and Kashmir.

 

The day was saved by timely intervention of the local police who were unaware of the presence of the other group who was allowed to assemble by the Consulate. The Pakistani controlled media and their foot soldiers started making allegations and hurling threats that these people will not be allowed to continue their activities in Britain.

 

In my view, this is a serious threat to community relations, peace and harmony and to our fundamental rights. I hope APPG and the British authorities will take appropriate steps to nip in the bud this growing menace.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Your sincerely

 

 

 

Dr Shabir Choudhry

President Foreign Affairs Committee of United Kashmir Peoples National Party.

Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com      Cell: 07790942471