Express & Star

Petition raises Kashmir concerns

John Spellar has presented a petition to Boris Johnson calling for Government action over the crisis in Kashmir.

Published
Warley MP John Spellar

The Warley Labour MP has called on the Prime Minister to "obtain justice for the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Kashmir had its autonomy wiped out last month after restrictions were imposed on it by the Indian government.

The petition, which was organised by the Smethwick Pakistani Muslims Association and its chairman Amir Afzal, expressed deep concerns about the worsening human rights situation; with mass arrests, alleged torture and abuse, and numerous deaths.

Mr Spellar said: “I was proud to present a petition on Kashmir for the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.

“The Government must use its influence to uphold international law and obtain justice for the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

The MP said some of his constituents had been unable to find out how their relatives were due to a clampdown on communications in the region.