INDIA AND KASHMIR

Early day motion 781, tabled 30 June 1999 by Lorna Fitzsimons (Labour). Signed by 13 members.

That this House notes India's use of military aircraft in Indian-controlled Kashmir for the first time outside wartime, that there is a bigger ratio of troops per adult male in Indian-controlled Kashmir than anywhere else in the world and that the Principality of Kashmir is the only state not to have had a plebiscite at partition; further notes that United Nations resolutions were passed at India's request in the 1940s promising a plebiscite yet 50 years on no such plebiscite has taken place; believes that until there is a demilitarisation and an end to the constant human rights abuses to men, women and children by the Indian forces in Kashmir a plebiscite is impossible; believes that the policy of 'leaving it to India and Pakistan' clearly has not worked; welcomes the Foreign Secretary's position that as India is a nuclear power the international community has a duty to protect human rights in Indian-controlled territory; believes that the conflict in Kashmir will not be resolved unless the international community puts pressure on the Indian Government to demilitarise and honours the United Nations resolution promising a plebiscite; and calls on the British Government to do all it can to ensure this outcome.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.