UK: New British Muslim peer calls for just solution of Kashmir

20-12-2010

LONDON, (APP): The newly nominated British Muslim member of the upper House of Lords has called for a just solution of Kashmir issue in accordance with the international commitments and agreements.

Lord Qurban Hussein of Liberal-Democrats was speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour by Justice Foundation Kashmir Centre here last evening in Southall, west London.The former Mayor of Luton pledged his well wishers that he will work for expanding base of friends of Kashmir and one the first steps in this direction will be revitalise the Liberal-Democrats Friends of Kashmir.

Lord Hussein was quiet categorical that his party leadership has reposed a trust in him and he will prove himself to be worth of it.

He said a just solution of Kashmir in accordance with the international commitments and agreements is the need of the hour.

The new peer said Kashmir is a disputed territory and was different from all other Indian states. “It was India which took it to UN. The misperceptions about the dispute need to be removed,” he said adding he would endeavour to do that.

The Kashmir Centre Director Nazir Ahmed Shawl described the new Lord as an honest upright and principled politician who has an enviable record in his political evolution.

“He dared to challenge his party and voted against war in Iraq which he felt was unjust and imposed on the people of that country.”

Shawl pointed out that Lord Hussein started his political career as a Kashmiri activist and he does not require a sermon on Kashmir as he is fully aware of all the dimensions of the dispute.

He felt that by his elevation to the House of Lords a strong Kashmir voice will echo for just peace in disputed region.

Barrister Majid Tramboo urged all the Kashmiri leaders to identify the factors which can make the APPG (All Parties Parliamentary Group) on Kashmir an effective tool for the cause of Kashmir. He said up to 1994 this forum took very credible initiatives. “Some fresh initiatives to highlight Kashmiris plight need to be identified,” he observed.

Syed Yousaf Naseem APHC leader congratulated Lord Hussein on behalf of the APHC leadership. He appreciated the activities of Kashmiri Diaspora in UK for highlighting Kashmir cause and said these were a source of encouragement for the struggling people.

Another APHC leader Malik Abdul Majid appreciated the work being done at the International level. He hoped the elevation of Lord Qurban Hussein will strengthen this effort.

A number of Kashmiri leaders including Chaudry Mohammed Khan, Nazir Ahmed Qureshi, Muhammad Ghalib, Ershad Malik, Raja Muhammad Ayub and Yasin Rehman also spoke on the various aspects of Kashmir issue and welcomed the nomination of Lord Qurban Hussein to the House of Lords. They expressed hope that Kashmir cause will be lent a new voice through Lord Hussein in the British Parliament.