India
Oxford Union to hold debate on ‘independent state of Kashmir’ | India News – Times of India
Security forces in Kashmir. (PTI)
The debate will focus on the political status of Kashmir, an issue that has historically caused tension between India and Pakistan. The panelists include Dr. Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur, a Kashmiri independence activist who heads the Justice Foundation and the Kashmir Freedom Movement, Professor Zafar Khan, chairman of the diplomatic bureau Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Prem Shankar Jha, who serves as served as media advisor to former Prime Minister Vice President Singh.
In a post on Instgaram, the Oxford Union said: “On Thursday 14 November at 8.30pm we will host our week 5 debate on the motion ‘this House believes in an independent state of Kashmir’. The Kashmir issue, a parting gift from British colonial rule, has troubled the subcontinent since 1947, resulting in multiple wars for self-determination and autonomy. This has led to continued unrest, human rights concerns and a renewed demand for autonomy among Kashmiris. As nuclear weapons compete for control and geopolitical influence, the desire for peace among the population remains strong: an independent Kashmir is the answer to this ongoing crisis?
“First to speak will be Dr. Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur. Dr. Thakur is a Kashmiri independence activist who opposes Indian control of the Kashmir region and leads the Justice Foundation and the Kashmir Freedom Movement,” Oxford Union wrote. Professor Zafar Khan will speak second. Zafar Khan is the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Diplomatic Bureau, an organization focused on advocating the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. is also a retired academic.”
“Prem Shankar Jha will speak for the opposition. Former media advisor to the Prime Minister of India. Held positions at the United Nations, as well as the World Bank and the Hindustan Times – one of India’s largest daily newspapers,” the spokesperson added. after.
INSIGHT UK, a group representing British Hindus, condemned the decision, writing on X: “We have sent a formal letter to the Oxford Union expressing our deep concern about their decision to host the debate.”
“The invitation of speakers with alleged links to terrorism is particularly alarming and raises serious questions about the integrity of this debate.” INSIGHT UK highlighted the history of violence and unrest in the Kashmir region and highlighted the possibility that the debate could exacerbate existing tensions,” the group further wrote.
