Kashmiri Pandits Genocide: Three UK Members of Parliament, namely Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, and Virendra Sharma, have tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the British Parliament to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the attacks and displacements of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir in 1990.Drawing Attention to Historical InjusticeEDMs serve as formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons, providing a platform for British MPs to spotlight events or causes. The motion expressed deep sadness and disappointment regarding the coordinated attacks in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic terrorists on the innocent population of Jammu and Kashmir. It conveyed condolences to the families affected by the planned massacre, encompassing those killed, raped, injured, and forcibly displaced.Condemning Atrocities and DesecrationThe motion strongly condemned the desecration of holy sites in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing concern that Kashmiris who fled persecution still await justice and recognition for the committed atrocities. It deplored sponsors of cross-border terrorist attacks, calling for their immediate cessation, and condemned the ongoing targeted killings of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir.Responsibility to Protect and International ObligationsHighlighting the international principle of the responsibility to protect, the motion emphasized that individual states and the global community must take effective measures to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity, as suffered by Kashmiri Hindus. It underscored the continued occupation of properties belonging to the minority Hindu community and urged the Government of India to fulfill its international commitment to recognize and acknowledge the genocide in Jammu and Kashmir. The motion also urged the enactment of the proposed Panun Kashmir Genocide Crime Punishment and Atrocities Prevention Bill in the Indian Parliament.UKs Call for Justice and ProtectionThe motion concluded by urging the UK Government to extend its longstanding commitment to protect and demand justice for the victims of this genocide. This parliamentary initiative emphasizes the need for international recognition, justice, and protection for the Kashmiri Pandit community, shedding light on a historical injustice that reverberates to this day.
