The UK has expressed “serious concerns” over communication blockade and detentions in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a serious international human rights issue.
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According to The Hindustan Times, MPs in the House of Commons raised on Tuesday serious concerns on the situation in the Kashmir valley after New Delhi unilaterally revoked the special status of the region on August 5.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab referred to recent discussions between premier Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, as well as between him and foreign minister S Jaishankar when he said London’s concerns on Jammu and Kashmir were conveyed.
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“The issue of human rights is an international issue. We expect of all our partners that internationally recognised standards of human rights are respected and complied with,” he said.
Raab said human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir were deeply concerning. “They must be investigated thoroughly and promptly and transparently. The concerns and issues raised are very serious,” he said.
MPs also demanded an end to the blockade in the Kashmir valley, as well as independent observers to be deployed to the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in London was again attacked after a protest erupted over the Kashmir issue and quickly turned violent. This is the second incident of violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London. Earlier, the protests erupted on the Indian Independence Day on August 15.
On Tuesday, protesters smashed windows of the Indian High Commission and even broke a window-pane of the building as they carried flags of the Pakistan-Controlled-Kashmir and raised “freedom” slogans.
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The Indian High Commission tweeted, “Another violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today, 3 September 2019. Damage caused to the premises.” The Indian High Commission also shared a photo of the damaged window pane on Twitter.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the violent protests, saying it was “unacceptable”. “I utterly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and have raised this incident with @metpoliceuk to take action,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted.