Members of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom (UK) have taken a strong exception to a debate seen as promoting "independence" of Kashmir, set to take place at the Oxford Union on Thursday.
Insights UK, an Indian diaspora group, has sent a letter to the University of Oxford-linked debating society expressing deep concern over the event's theme and the choice of speakers.
"The decision by the Oxford Union to host a debate on the issue of Kashmir's independence and to invite members of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front as speakers is deeply troubling and warrants serious scrutiny. The debate not only undermines the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity but is also tantamount to endorsing violence and terrorism," Insights UK said in a statement on the eve of the debate.
Further, the group opposed the use of the Oxford Union platform to promote "extremist ideologies", labelling it as a "dangerous precedent".
"Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, as recognised by the Indian law and Indian Constitution," Insights UK asserted, adding that calls for an "independent Kashmir" were often associated with "foreign-funded separatist movements, radicalisation and acts of terrorism".
The group noted that Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, one of the invited speakers, has faced charges of inciting hate speech and has alleged links to terrorist groups.
Zafar Khan, the chairman of "diplomatic bureau" of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), is the other speaker invited by the Oxford Union to its debate. The UK-based JKLF has been declared as an unlawful group under India's Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for promoting secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Insights UK noted that JKLF had also been involved in the abduction and assassination of Indian diplomat Ravindra Hareshwar Mhatre in 1984. Further, it called on the Oxford Union to "reconsider" its decision to host the controversial debate.