London: The Oxford University has been in the news after its debating society, ‘Oxford Union’ announced a debate on the ‘Independent State of Kashmir’ causing a controversy. The Oxford Union has been facing a huge protest and online backlash over calling Kashmir ‘independent’; a letter has also been written to the debating society, condemning the topic of the debate and the speakers invited.
Oxford Union Faces Backlash by Indian Students Over Controversial Debate
Indian students have launched a protest against the Oxford Union for hosting a debate on the ‘Independent State of Kashmir’, which has been a long-standing issue of conflict between India and Pakistan. Slogans including ‘Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India and Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India’ are being raised outside the Oxford Union.
Insight UK, a social movement in the United Kingdom, who works on issues impacting the Indian community and British Hindus, has written a letter to the Oxford Union, questioning their choice of debate issue and their selection of speakers. The movement in its letter has clarified how ‘Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India’ and ‘any debate that questions its status as an integral part of India is, by extension, an interference in India’s sovereignty.’
‘Call for Independent Kashmir Associated with Acts of Terrorism’
The letter by Insight UK addressed to the Oxford Union further says, “The issue of Kashmir is an internal matter for India, and debating its potential secession or independence in a foreign forum undermines India’s constitutional framework and territorial integrity. The call for an “Independent Kashmir” is often associated with foreign-funded separatist movements, radicalisation and acts of terrorism. For decades, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a spate of violence linked to terrorism, in which both security forces and innocent civilians have suffered. The systematic targeting and killing of Hindus, including prominent cases of terrorism that have specifically aimed to drive them out, is a painful chapter in the region’s history.”
The letter also reads, “Thousands of Kashmiri Hindus, also known as Pandits, were displaced from their homes, subjected to threats, violence, and intimidation by terrorist groups. This exodus, which saw families fleeing their ancestral homes, remains an unresolved tragedy that continues to impact the displaced community to this day.”
‘Speakers Have Alleged Links to Support Terrorism’
The letter has also raised the issue of inviting speakers with alleged links to support terrorism. According to the letter, the speakers, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan have alleged terrorist links.
The letter says, “Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur has allegedly engaged in incitement and hate speech, with links to organisations investigated for ties to terrorism and Zafar Khan represents the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a group associated with violent acts that terrorised the Kashmiri Hindu community and forced them to flee their ancestral homes. It’s known that JKLF had kidnapped and killed Indian Diplomat in the UK.”
What is the Oxford Union Debate Controversy?
The controversy began after the Oxford University’s debating society Oxford Union announced a debate – ‘This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir’. The post regarding the same read, “On Thursday 14th November at 20:30 we will be hosting our Week 5 debate on the motion ‘This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir’. The Kashmir question, a parting gift of British colonial rule, has troubled the subcontinent since 1947 resulting in multiple wars. The continued push for Kashmiri independence has sustained a long-standing struggle, rooted in the region’s quest for self-determination and autonomy. This has led to persistent unrest, human rights concerns, and renewed demand for autonomy among the Kashmiris. While nuclear-armed neighbours vie for control and geopolitical influence, the desire for peace among the population remains strong. Could an independent Kashmir be the answer to this enduring crisis?”
The post also spoke about the speakers of the debate – “Speaking first for the proposition will be Dr Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur. Dr Thakur is a Kashmiri Independence activist opposed to Indian control of the Kashmir region. Leads the Justice Foundation and the Kashmir Freedom Movement. Speaking second for the proposition will be Professor Zafar Khan. Zafar Khan is the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Diplomatic Bureau, an organization focused on advocating for the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan is also a retired academic.”
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