On March 5, 2025, Westminster Hall—a historic adjunct to the British Parliament renowned for hosting substantive, though non-voting, debates—became the arena for a critical discussion on human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, this session underscored the UK Parliament’s growing unease over the protracted humanitarian crisis in the region. Sponsored by Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn and Accrington, the debate saw over 20 parliamentarians amplify the plight of Kashmiris, emphasizing systemic repression, militarization, and the erosion of democratic freedoms. The discourse not only highlighted the urgency of international intervention but also scrutinized the UK’s diplomatic responsibilities in fostering accountability.
IIOJK remains one of the world’s most militarized zones, with decades of conflict embedding a culture of impunity among state and non-state actors. Participants cited reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW), and the United Nations, which detail arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and media suppression. The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019—a constitutional provision granting Jammu and Kashmir semi-autonomy—has intensified these abuses. Legislation such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) were singled out for enabling security forces to bypass due process, perpetuating a cycle of violence with minimal accountability.
Despite India’s recent elections ending a 10-year hiatus in regional polls, parliamentarians noted the absence of a clear timeline for restoring statehood or addressing grievances. The debate also condemned amendments to land laws, which have precipitated forced evictions and property confiscations, disproportionately affecting Kashmiri Muslims. Disturbing accounts of police seizing books and intimidating sellers this week exemplified the stifling of intellectual freedom, further illustrating the climate of fear.
The Kashmiri diaspora, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir Self-Determination Movement International (JKSDMI) led by Raja Najabat Hussain, was acknowledged for its relentless advocacy. Local politicians and activists risk persecution to document abuses, yet their efforts are frequently undermined by draconian laws. The UN Security Council’s Resolution 47 (1948), advocating a plebiscite to determine Kashmir’s political future, was reiterated as an unfulfilled mandate, with participants urging the UK to champion this democratic imperative.
Criticism was directed at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) for omitting Kashmir from its 2023 human rights report and failing to leverage trade negotiations with India to address abuses. MPs pressed the government to:
- Publicly condemn HR violations in IIOJK during bilateral talks.
- Demand the release of imprisoned journalists and activists.
- Support UN-led investigations into extrajudicial killings.
- Reinstate annual human rights reports explicitly referencing Kashmir.
- Condition trade agreements on India’s adherence to international human rights standards.
The Minister’s closing remarks acknowledged these concerns but fell short of concrete commitments, reflecting the delicate balance between ethical diplomacy and geopolitical pragmatism.
The debate underscored a stark reality: while Kashmiris endure a suffocating occupation, the international community remains largely complacent. The UK, with its historical ties to the region and seat on global platforms, is uniquely positioned to advocate for justice. As parliamentarians emphasized, silence risks normalizing atrocities.
Following Recommendations
- Integrate human rights benchmarks into UK-India trade negotiations, emphasizing media freedom and judicial accountability.
- Revive multilateral efforts to implement UNSC Resolution 47, ensuring Kashmiri self-determination.
- Publish annual FCDO reports detailing Kashmir-specific human rights initiatives and progress.
- Fund NGOs documenting abuses and provide asylum for threatened activists.
- Pressure India to repeal AFSPA and PSA, which institutionalize impunity.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
This debate, though symbolic, reignites a moral imperative: the UK must transcend diplomatic caution and align its foreign policy with the universal principles of human dignity. The echoes of Westminster Hall must resonate beyond its ancient walls, translating rhetoric into action for Kashmir.
