MPs of United Kingdom plan to debate over Kashmir

London: The Member of Parliament of United Kingdom had planned to hold a debate on the political and humanitarian situation of India’s Kashmir.

The debate will take place in the in a committee room of the House of Commons. David Ward, a Liberal Democrat MP, sought the debate in which government as well as opposition spokesmen will participate. Ward represents Bradford East in the House of Commons. Bradford city has the biggest Pakistani-origin population in Britain. In the past, such constituents have been known to pressurize their MPs to censure India on Kashmir.

Speaking at an event to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the Indian freedom fighter Sarat Bose over the weekend, Deputy High Commissioner for India in the UK, Dr Virander Paul, surprised his audience by stating, “From time to time, we find that there are certain tendencies in certain sections of the society, which are not in the interest of our strong relations.”

Indeed, he cautioned, “We need to watch out and be mindful of any such efforts.”

While Paul made no reference to the upcoming debate, his remarks were apparently aimed at the senior Cabinet minister who was present at the function, Dr Vince Cable, who is a long-standing Liberal Democrat leader. In other words, it was a suggestion to Cable to rein in Ward, his party colleague.

India has always considered any debate on Kashmir by British parliamentarians as an interference in India’s internal affairs. The last time this occurred – in 2011 – there were several more pro-Pakistan speakers than pro-India speakers. According to Raymedia, Kashmir being topmost on Pakistan’s diplomatic agenda, its missions exploit the local Pakistani community to persuade MPs to reflect their point of view in such debates.

 

While he made no reference to the upcoming debate, his remarks appeared aimed at Dr Vince Cable, a senior cabinet minister present at the function, who is a long-standing Liberal Democrat leader. In other words, it was a suggestion to Cable to rein in Ward, his party colleague.

Bureau Report