BARCELONA, Spain (PNI) Acknowledging that the UK exiting the European Union (EU) has put more responsibility on the shoulders of Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora in Europe, a British lawmaker said documentation of human rights violation and raising the issue at the EU parliament is more important than before.
“The UK exiting the EU left a big void which means there is extra responsibility on the shoulders of Kashmiris, Pakistanis and their allies living in the EU nations to reach out to their respective governments regarding Kashmir,” said British MP Muhammad Afzal Khan, addressing a Kashmir conference in Barcelona,Spain .
Khan was accompanying Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK President Fahim Kayani on a tour of Spain to attend “Kashmir Exploitation Day” events with regard to illegal and unilateral steps taken by India on August 05, 2019 in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK.)
He said while in the EU parliament, the British lawmakers raised the Kashmir regularly but now things have changed.
“The diaspora along with their allies and people of conscience should document human rights abuses committed by India in IIoJK and submit with their respective members of EU parliament,” Khan told the conference, hosted by Tehreek-e-Kashmir Spain.
“You have to become the voice of Kashmiris living in IIoJK as they have been silenced by Indian gun,” said Khan, who has been proactive on Kashmir in and outside British parliament.
Thanking Shafiq Tabasam President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir Spain, Asif Rehman Sec Gen TeK Spain , Nasir Muslim Ex President TeK Spain and his team for organizing several events to mark the “Kashmir Exploitation Day, Kayani said the mobilization of diaspora and “our allies on Aug. 5 this year has sent a message across the world that Kashmiris reject the illegal steps taken by India in 2019.”
“This is very important and significant as India has tried to change the disputed nature of IIoJK and Kashmiris will not let India succeed in it… it is matter of time, no one is scared of Indian gun,” Kayani told the conference.
Urging more involvement of youth in Kashmir activism, Kayani said: “for any struggle to survive, it is important to spread awareness about it. Our youth must know why Kashmiris are giving unrelenting sacrifices every day. This will lead to strengthening our cause as these youth will become our ambassadors.”
The Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK leader asked the Spain unit to widen its network of youth engagement and spread Kashmir awareness among students and professionals.
“Holding Kashmir-related programs in universities and engaging with think tanks is must and its should be part of our regular activities,” he said.
On Saturday, hundreds of Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora members and their allies gathered in Barcelona on the call of Tehreek-e-Kashmir Spain to demonstrate against belligerent Indian actions aimed at finishing Kashmiri identity.
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