LONDON: The Kashmir issue has become a focal point in the UK elections, with candidates across various parties advocating for the right to self-determination for Kashmiris, it was reported on Thursday.
Marco Longhi, seeking re-election as a Tory candidate in Dudley, has publicly supported Kashmiri independence from India, reflecting the significant Pakistani and Kashmiri community in his constituency. A member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir, Longhi committed to continuing his advocacy in Parliament. “I will stand up for Kashmiris,” he affirmed, earning praise from Fahim Kayani, leader of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK. Kayani lauded Longhi’s participation in parliamentary events that highlighted human rights violations in Kashmir.
However, Longhi’s stance has attracted criticism from Hindutva supporters, which Kayani denounced as unfounded. “We thank him for calling out the atrocities by the Indian government in Kashmir,” Kayani stated, defending Longhi against accusations of divisiveness.
In contrast, Sonia Kumar, the Labour candidate in Dudley, faced criticism from local Kashmiri groups for not signing the Kashmir declaration, which supports the UN resolution on self-determination and the release of political prisoners.
Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK has expressed gratitude towards Longhi and urged voters to support candidates who advocate for Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of cross-party support for the cause.
