Written evidence submitted by Councillor
Khalid Hamid
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
REPORT ON
KASHMIR
As you may be aware the Baroness Emma Nicholson,
British Member of the European Parliament from the Liberal Democrats,
is also the European Parliament reporter on Kashmir. She visited
Pakistan and India in June this year on a fact-finding mission,
and will submit her draft report to the European Parliament Foreign
Affairs Committee on 14 September for suggestions/amendments.
The draft report will be finalised on 22 September 2006 and will
be approved by the European Parliament in October 2006.
It is possible that Baroness Nicholson will
make reference to the Kashmir dispute and will make reference
to the Indian Government's position. It is therefore necessary
to do whatever we can to influence her to take on board the aspirations
of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, innocent civilians who require
the international community to recognise their human rights as
well. I would be grateful if you would give consideration to the
under-noted points:
— The people of Kashmir strongly believe
that the report should attempt to explore a possible solution
to the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute bringing an end
to the suffering to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In this regard,
it will be worthwhile to refer to the President of Pakistan's
practical and neutral proposals of (i) demilitarization; and (ii)
self-governance. The report should also call for the inclusion
of Kashmiri representatives in the dialogue to discuss and elaborate
the proposals. Further scrutiny of the position relating to the
human rights of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently
overlooked must be addressed.
— The international community should
try and find a way to make India recognise the need to allow internationally
respected organisations such as the United Nations, access to
the region. Freedom of movement and the restriction on the international
press should also be removed.
— The Indian Government should also
repeal draconian laws, release prisoners of conscience, and prevent
extrajudicial killing.
This is a unique opportunity to assist the people
of the Jammu and Kashmir regions and I thank you for your consideration
of this matter.
Councillor Khalid Hamid,
Labour—Denny South Ward, Falkirk Council
3 August 2006
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