UK-India trade relations and storm over Kashmir

Wednesday 04th September 2019 06:51 EDT
 
 

Boris Johnson has emphasised on his intent of strengthening UK-India trade relations and on his phone call to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his regret over the violence on Indians at the protest on 15th August outside the Indian High Commission. On Tuesday, 3rd September, as we went to press there was another protest and violent attack on the Indian High Commission in London. This followed after the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said any allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir since India revoked the Article 370 of the Constitution must be "thoroughly, promptly and transparently" investigated.

Conservative MP from Harrow East Bob Blackman (Harrow East) has been a long-standing advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandits. He asked, “It has been a long-standing policy of the Government that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue. It has also been this House that stands up for human rights and the protection of minorities. Therefore, does my right hon. Friend agree that the abolition of article 370, which discriminates against women and minority religions, is to be welcomed?” he asked.

Shailesh Vara, Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire also raised concerns around the recent protest and asked, “Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the violence and abuse targeted towards the British Indian community on that occasion are completely unacceptable, as they would be against any community on the streets of the UK?” asked

In response Raab had said any violence should be deplored and efforts made to promote good relations between communities in the UK.


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