KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY

Early day motion 676, tabled 8 February 2005 by Lorna Fitzsimons (Labour). Signed by 49 members.

That this House congratulates the Kashmiri community on Kashmir Solidarity Day on 5th February and for all their tireless campaigning; notes that the Kashmir dispute dates back to partition in 1947; believes that it is a tragedy that the Kashmir dispute is still unresolved; supports the 1948 UN resolution calling for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir; further welcomes the Prime Minister's support for the self determination of the people of Kashmir; welcomes the moves now being made by Pakistan and India through dialogue; believes, however, that until there is an end to the daily human rights abuses no peace can be found, and that it is a priority to stop the human rights violations and essential that international human rights organisations are allowed into the disputed territory to monitor the situation; further notes that this is the longest-running international dispute between two nuclear powers, yet the attention the media gives to the most dangerous flashpoint in the world is disappointing and concerning; and calls on the media, in the wake of Kashmir Solidarity Day, to give greater coverage to the issue of Kashmir to ensure the focus is on everybody to find a peaceful solution.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Labour/Co-operative 5, Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1.