London:
A British member of parliament has tabled a parliamentary motion to reaffirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India over Jammu and Kashmir.
Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman tabled the Early Day Motion (EDM) last week to mark Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, observed on October 26, in the House of Commons.
The EDM, a method used by British MPs to draw Parliament's attention to a particular issue, has been signed by three other cross-party MPs.
"That this House notes the continued observance on 26 October of Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day by residents of the UK of Jammu and Kashmiri heritage," reads the EDM.
It notes that on October 26, 1947, the Instrument of Accession was executed by Maharaja Hari Singh.
"[It] reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of India over the State of Jammu and Kashmir; notes the importance of strong and constructive bilateral relations between the UK and the Republic of India," it states.
To be sure, Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood in 2019, when it was reorganised as a Union Territory, while Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory.
The motion goes on to express sympathy for all civilians killed and injured in acts of terror in Jammu and Kashmir, including those in "Pakistan-occupied regions".
It also notes with concern the continued impact of terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, which have resulted in civilian and security personnel casualties.
"[It] notes with sadness the continued targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits, who remain vulnerable to acts of terror and intimidation in parts of Jammu and Kashmir; recognises the significance of this date for communities who mark it as the constitutional accession of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union," the EDM reads.
It further acknowledges the contribution of British Jammu and Kashmiri communities to the cultural, social and civic life of the UK and welcomes peaceful commemorations in the UK that promote historical literacy, cultural exchange and civic participation.
The motion also calls for "constructive dialogue, community cohesion, and respect for international norms and sovereign boundaries in discussions about Jammu and Kashmir".
The fellow signatories of the EDM include Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon, Labour's Gill Furniss and Lib Dem MP Luke Taylor.
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