INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY AND SELF DETERMINATION IN KASHMIR

Early day motion 562, tabled 22 January 2003 by Lynne Jones (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House, whilst congratulating India on its 53rd year as a democratic republic after gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947, is concerned that the question of self-determination for the people of Kashmir remains unresolved, which is not only a tragedy for the people of Kashmir but also seriously impedes development in both India and Pakistan as a result of the huge proportion of national incomes that goes on military spending; recognises that the dispute over Kashmir is potentially the gravest faced by the world, with both India and Pakistan having nuclear weapons and the capacity to deliver them; urges Pakistan to continue to clamp down on terrorism emanating from its side of the line of control and India to permit monitoring on its side by international human rights organisations; believes that Indian Republic Day would be a fitting occasion for India to commit itself to talks with Pakistan on all the issues that divide them, including Kashmir; and urges the UK Government to assist this process by offering to facilitate such dialogue.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 6, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2.