Oxford Union Faces Huge Protest in UK Over Controversial Debate on 'Independent Kashmir'

London: Oxford University has been in news after its debating society, ‘Oxford Union’ announced a debate on ‘Independent State of Kashmir’ causing a controversy. Oxford Union has been facing a huge protest and online backlash over calling Kashmir ‘independent’; a letter has also been written to debating society, condemning topic of debate and speakers invited.

Oxford Union Faces Backlash by Indian Students Over Controversial Debate

Indian students have launched a protest against Oxford Union for hosting a debate on ‘Independent State of Kashmir’, which has been a long-standing issue of conflict between India and Pakistan. Slogans including ‘Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India and Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India’ are being raised outside Oxford Union.

Insight UK, a social movement in United Kingdom, who works on issues impacting Indian community and British Hindus, has written a letter to Oxford Union, questioning ir choice of debate issue and ir selection of speakers. movement in its letter has clarified how ‘Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India’ and 'any debate that questions its status as an integral part of India is, by extension, an interference in India's sovereignty.'

‘Call for Independent Kashmir Associated with Acts of Terrorism’

letter by Insight UK dressed to Oxford Union furr says, " issue of Kashmir is an internal matter for India, and debating its potential secession or independence in a foreign forum undermines India's constitutional framework and territorial integrity. call for an "Independent Kashmir" is often associated with foreign-funded separatist movements, ricalisation and acts of terrorism. For deces, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a spate of violence linked to terrorism, in which both security forces and innocent civilians have suffered. systematic targeting and killing of Hindus, including prominent cases of terrorism that have specifically aimed to drive m out, is a painful chapter in region's history."

letter also res, “Thousands of Kashmiri Hindus, also known as Pandits, were displaced from ir homes, subjected to threats, violence, and intimidation by terrorist groups. This exodus, which saw families fleeing ir ancestral homes, remains an unresolved tragedy that continues to impact displaced community to this day.”

‘Speakers Have Alleged Links to Support Terrorism’

letter has also raised issue of inviting speakers with alleged links to support terrorism. According to letter, speakers, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan have alleged terrorist links. 

letter says, “Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur has allegedly engaged in incitement and hate speech, with links to organisations investigated for ties to terrorism and Zafar Khan represents Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a group associated with violent acts that terrorised Kashmiri Hindu community and forced m to flee ir ancestral homes. It’s known that JKLF h kidnapped and killed Indian Diplomat in UK.”

What is Oxford Union Debate Controversy?

controversy began after Oxford University's debating society Oxford Union announced a debate - ‘This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir’. post regarding same re, “On Thursday 14th November at 20:30 we will be hosting our Week 5 debate on motion ‘This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir’. Kashmir question, a parting gift of British colonial rule, has troubled subcontinent since 1947 resulting in multiple wars. continued push for Kashmiri independence has sustained a long-standing struggle, rooted in region’s quest for self-determination and autonomy. This has led to persistent unrest, human rights concerns, and renewed demand for autonomy among Kashmiris. While nuclear-armed neighbours vie for control and geopolitical influence, desire for peace among population remains strong. Could an independent Kashmir be answer to this enduring crisis?”

post also spoke about speakers of debate - “Speaking first for proposition will be Dr Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur. Dr Thakur is a Kashmiri Independence activist opposed to Indian control of Kashmir region. Les Justice Foundation and Kashmir Freedom Movement. Speaking second for proposition will be Professor Zafar Khan. Zafar Khan is Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Diplomatic Bureau, an organization focused on vocating for right to self-determination for people of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan is also a retired acemic.”