Sir Keir Starmer

• SIR Keir Starmer’s position on Kashmir is a huge disappointment to Kashmiris like myself seeking international support against the world’s largest military occupation.

Kashmir is not a disputed territory between India and Pakistan – until 1947 it was an independent “princely” state.

It is a matter of the right of self-determination for the 20 million people of Jammu Kashmir, which was promised by both countries after they carved up the territory for themselves.

In 1948 the UN passed the first of several resolutions upholding the right of Kashmiris to choose their future status via a plebiscite.

Knowing full well that the majority of Kashmiris would opt for independence, both India and Pakistan have made sure that such a referendum has never taken place. Instead they have deepened their military occupation of my homeland.

Kashmir is not a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, as Sir Keir claims. Talks between the two countries without a true representation of the Kashmiri people cannot resolve matters.

This is especially in view of how India changed its constitution last August to remove Indian-occupied Kashmir’s limited autonomy.

Since then it has been under a severe security lockdown, leading to the imprisonment or killing of those who oppose it. It is estimated that there is now one soldier for every seven civilians.

Meanwhile in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir people have to submit to an oath of loyalty to Pakistan if they seek government employment or wish to take part in elections.

While India’s Narendra Modi-led Hindutva government is clearly far-right in nature, Pakistan’s Imran Khan government owes its existence and continued presence to the military.

Does Sir Keir really believe such governments can decide the future of Kashmir? Kashmiris call on him to revert to the position agreed by Labour’s annual conference last autumn and support Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination.

MEHTAB AHMED
Sandstone Place, N19